Real Madrid News
Mauricio Pochettino always wanted Real Madrid job, but likely to join Chelsea – report
Even as recently as a month ago, Carlo Ancelotti’s future at Real Madrid appeared uncertain. In fact, the Italian tactician appeared closer to leaving Santiago Bernabeu and was under a mountain of pressure.
The administration thus began a large-scale hunt for his successor. Of the numerous candidates on the table, Mauricio Pochettino appeared the best placed to take over in the summer.
After all, Real Madrid were languishing amidst poor results in La Liga, had crashed to a first-leg defeat in the Copa del Rey semifinal, and seemed lost for hope domestically.
Recent weeks, however, have seen a dramatic turnaround in the situation. Ancelotti has led his men to a great run of form across all fronts. His side now stands in the final of the Copa de Rey and the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League.
According to reports from MARCA, Real Madrid was always Pochettino’s priority. However, the Argentine is being targeted by several others of the European elite and knows the situation at the Spanish capital. Thus, he could be on his way to take over at Chelsea instead.
The source adds that everything indicates towards Carlo Ancelotti staying with Los Blancos next season. It has always been his intention to see out his contract and there are few doubts over his capabilities as the coach.
“The wind carries the chatter on. And that’s how it is, I have a contract until 30 June 2024 and I would like to fulfil it,” Ancelotti said in a recent interview, confirming his intentions.
The upcoming results will, thus, no longer play a part in deciding the managerial post for next season. After all, Real Madrid are now well-placed to win both the Spanish Cup and the UEFA Champions League.
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.
