Real Madrid News
46-year-old Real Madrid icon still in contention to replace Ancelotti in 2024
With Carlo Ancelotti expected to take over the Brazilian national team in 2024, Real Madrid are surveying a number of options to take over the Italian’s role on the bench.
According to Cadena SER (h/t SPORT), Raul Gonzalez has been tipped as a potential successor to Ancelotti, with his excellent work in the Castilla ranks enticing the club officials.
The Royal Whites are steadfastly devoted to the continuity of Raul as the manager of Castilla for next season, despite the fact that they failed to win promotion to La Liga 2, falling in the final against Eldense.
Raul, who is the record-holder for most appearances (741) for Real Madrid, is considered an excellent trainer. And, with Ancelotti expected to move on next year when his contract expires, the Spaniard has favourable odds of fulfilling his dream of managing the first-team.
The report states that there is a faction at Real Madrid that is determined to elevate Raul so that, when Ancelotti’s tenure has concluded, he becomes the head coach of the first team, kickstarting a new era.
Still, they are currently keeping their options open at the Santiago Bernabeu. A bunch of names have emerged with the potential to replace Ancelotti, but no concrete commitment has taken place yet.
Florentino Perez believes that appointing Xabi Alonso would be the best option for the 2024/2025 season. Raul and Zinedine Zidane are the alternatives, though, if circumstances need a change before then.
While Zidane departed Los Blancos on bitter terms during his previous managerial tenure, there are claims that the tense relationship has significantly improved to the point that the Frenchman may potentially return to his former club.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid rising star suffered against Atletico due to veteran forward’s absence, says Simeone
Real Madrid’s 3-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid was not the first time were in trouble this season. In fact, the Merengues have gone behind early in almost every league game so far.
However, the difference on Sunday night was that they never really mounted a comeback. More importantly, Jude Bellingham did not come good, for the first time.
Simeone unravels the mystery
A jubilant Diego Simeone spoke to the media after his side downed Real Madrid by three goals to one and spoke about a plethora of topics.
Interestingly, he commented specifically on why Bellingham did not have an impact at Civitas Metropolitano, citing the absence of Joselu as a key factor.
“No, the spaces were reduced and I think that Joselu’s lack of presence left him with fewer chances to get there, when he takes advantage of Joselu’s aerial play. We controlled him better, he’s extraordinary,” he said, as quoted by AS.
He even called out the refereeing on the night and insisted that the Real Madrid star-boy should have seen red for his late tackle on Angel Correa, saying:
“It looked like a sending-off to me live, it was a hard leg up, with Angelito hitting the ball.”
Ironically, he defended his defender Jose Maria Gimenez for an equally threatening tackle on the night.
“A bad foul, it’s a yellow card because it goes sideways. Bellingham goes from the front and I think it’s a bit more,” he stated paradoxically.
No time to lament
The game at Civitas Metropolitano may not have gone Real Madrid’s way. Yet, it is good for the Merengues to taste defeat early and see the gaping holes in their dynamic.
Carlo Ancelotti admitted in his press conference that he bore the lion’s share of the fault for Sunday’s loss and that he would have done things differently if given the chance.
“Maybe I could have done it better. It’s pretty clear. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility,” he stated.
Nevertheless, Los Blancos have a hectic schedule ahead with two games in the next five days and a UCL fixture against Napoli next week. With Vinicius Jr back, one hopes they find their mojo once again.
