Real Madrid News
Florentino Perez believes Barcelona fans will be hostile towards him, refuses to attend Clasico
According to reports from El Mundo via Mundo Deportivo, Florentino Perez will not attend the Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou later today. The Real Madrid president expects a very hostile environment for himself and the team in Catalonia and prefers not to take any risks.
The administrator’s concern comes as a result of Real Madrid’s recent stance against Barcelona on the Negreira scandal.
Though the two clubs have shared a good rapport in recent years, especially in the wake of the Super League, the relationship has turned sour in the past weeks.
Los Blancos waited a long time before commenting on the Catalans’ scandalous payment to referees as they prioritised the Super League and ties with Barcelona.
However, Perez called for an urgent meaning after the prosecution called Barcelona to appear in court and even agreed to appear in court to take the case forward.
Perez has been a regular presence for Clasicos at Spotify Camp Nou across his two terms as the president of Real Madrid. In fact, this will be the first time he is not attending the game in Catalonia in his 20 years as the president of Real Madrid.
Tensions are building ahead of the big clash, both on and off the field. Earlier this week, Barcelona refused to organise the traditional management dinner that is a ritual before Clasicos.
With Perez now refusing to attend, the friction between the rivals is high and could well translate to a spicy fixture on the field.
Real Madrid will hope to cut short their deficit with Barcelona to six points on Sunday night in what is the second of three Clasicos spread over 45 days. Having the momentum and a fully fit squad on their side, the Merengues will definitely not be underdogs in Catalonia.
Real Madrid News
51-year-old manager the ‘clear favourite’ to succeed Ancelotti at Real Madrid – report
With there being uncertainty surrounding the future of Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, it seems like Los Blancos have identified the ideal candidate to succeed the Italian if he leaves.
Indeed, according to TyC Sports in Argentina, former PSG and Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino is the clear favourite to replace Ancelotti once he moves on from Real Madrid.
The 51-year-old tactician is currently unattached after having been let go of by PSG last summer. And, he could now make a sensational return to management with Real Madrid.
Ancelotti has a contract with the Merengues until the summer of 2024. But, his future is not entirely secure at this point as the current champions of Spain and Europe are losing the La Liga title race to Barcelona while they are also hanging by a thread in Copa del Rey.
Unless the 63-year-old leads Real Madrid to a major trophy this term, an exit could be on the cards. And, the Brazilian national team are lying in wait to swoop him away if such a scenario materialises.
Several names such as Raul Gonzalez, Zinedine Zidane, Julian Nagelsmann, and Xabi Alonso have been linked with the Real Madrid job if Ancelotti leaves.
But, now it is being claimed that Pochettino has emerged as the frontrunner to take over from the Italian tactician. The 51-year-old is understood to be president Florentino Perez’s most favourite candidate and is seen as a perfect fit at Real Madrid.
Pochettino had the chance of taking over at Real Madrid in the past but could not secure a release from Tottenham. Now, though, he is unattached and has reportedly even rejected a chance to rejoin Spurs as he is ready to wait until the summer for Real Madrid.
The report also suggests that Pochettino has previously rejected the likes of Ajax, Chelsea, Belgium national team and Brazil as well as he continues to wait for an approach from Los Blancos at the end of the season.
