Real Madrid News
Carlo Ancelotti not on Chelsea’s shortlist for permanent manager candidates
Real Madrid and Chelsea are set to face off in less than a week in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. The first of two legs will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu with the second leg scheduled a week later in London.
The Blues arrive in Madrid with caretaker manager, Frank Lampard, at the helm and under pressure to turn the team’s situation around. Carlo Ancelotti, for what it’s worth, has been under no less pressure all season himself.
Earlier today, an interesting report surfaced that linked the managerial situations of both clubs. The claim was that Chelsea would consider Ancelotti a legitimate option to take over at the helm if he left Real Madrid in the summer.
However, Ben Jacobs straight out denies such a possibility. The journalist reports that the London-based side do not have the Real Madrid manager on their shortlist. The club maintain a high regard for the Italian, but he does not fit their bill as a dynamic long-term appointment.
Ancelotti is no stranger to Stamford Bridge, having spent two seasons there between 2009 and 2011. In his 109 games as Chelsea’s manager, he oversaw 68 wins and even won the Premier League once.
The administration at the Santiago Bernabeu might look for a change in managerial personnel this summer if Ancelotti does not lead the team to a major title.
Real Madrid are understood to hold Mauricio Pochettino as their top choice, while the likes of Raul Gonzalez, Zinedine Zidane and Julian Nagelsmann are also being considered.
In the event of him parting ways with Real Madrid, Ancelotti is expected to join the Brazilian national team as the head coach for the Selecao.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
