Ancelotti axed by Real Madrid

Spanish giant seeks 'change in direction' after sorry season

Real Madrid fired coach Carlo Ancelotti on Monday as the popular Italian paid for a disappointing season without a major trophy.

Ancelotti, 55, led Real to its 10th elite European title last season but was axed after the club finished runner-up to Barcelona in La Liga and lost to Juventus in the semifinals of this year's Champions League.