Real Madrid News
Real Madrid appreciate former PSG manager, see him as a potential Ancelotti replacement
According to Fabrizio Romano, former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is appreciated by Real Madrid, who have him as a potential candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti in the summer.
Along with Pochettino, Real Madrid also admire club legend and current Castilla manager Raul Gonzalez, who is also seen as a possible replacement for Ancelotti.
The Italian tactician’s future has become a topic of hot debate, with reports suggesting that Real Madrid could get rid of him if he fails to win a major trophy this season.
At the same time, Ancelotti has also been heavily linked with the Brazil national team job, which only has added to the uncertainty surrounding his continuity at Real Madrid.
Amidst this, Real Madrid are keeping an eye out on potential replacements, even though for now they are backing Ancelotti in hope that he can lead them to another UEFA Champions League title.
Thomas Tuchel was one of the names on the table, but he signed for Bayern Munich. Now, Pochettino and Raul Gonzalez are seen as possible options, with both managers reportedly appreciated internally at Real Madrid.
Pochettino did a fine job at Tottenham Hotspur but his stint at PSG left a lot to be desired. After being relieved of his duties in France, the Argentine has not taken up any job and would be available to replace Ancelotti.
Meanwhile, Raul is working within Real Madrid itself, as the manager of their Castilla outfit and has done a fine job in his role, convincing officials that he might be ready for first-team management.
Apart from the two, Julian Nagelsmann, who was sacked by Bayern Munich earlier this week, also remains an option on the table.
Ancelotti still has a year left on his contract at Real Madrid and much will depend on how the team finish the ongoing campaign.
Elche manager Martin Anselmi knows his side cannot afford to spend 90 minutes simply absorbing pressure when Real Madrid arrive for Tuesday’s La Liga clash.
After showing greater resilience against Athletic Club, the Argentine wants Elche to take that confidence into one of their toughest fixtures of the season.
A 1-1 draw at San Mames provided some encouragement after a difficult opening to the campaign.
Elche had led for much of the second half before Athletic eventually found a way back, but Anselmi believes the performance offered a blueprint for what his team must do next.
“The fact that we put up a fight at San Mames makes us feel united and shows us that this is the path to follow,” said the Elche manager, as per MARCA.
Anselmi wants Elche to defend with the ball
Against Real Madrid, Anselmi does not intend to abandon the principles that helped Elche compete in Bilbao.
His preferred defensive strategy starts with keeping the ball away from the opposition.
“For us, the best way to defend is to keep possession. I think we need to show the same defensive resilience as we did at San Mames and defend with the ball.”
That approach will face a severe examination against a Real Madrid side possessing the quality to punish even brief lapses.
Elche have already conceded 13 goals this season and currently sit 19th, making defensive concentration a major concern.
On that note, Anselmi is fully aware of the individual threat Madrid possess.
“They make complicated moves look easy and push you to the limit. We mustn’t give anything away and need to stay focused throughout the match.”
The fixture arrives at an awkward time for Anselmi, who has had limited preparation time before facing Madrid, and Yago de Santiago will be the only confirmed absentee.
“The most important match is the next one. From there, we’ll see who’s in the best form and spread the workload,” said the Elche boss.
Real Madrid test comes at a crucial moment
Elche’s start to the 2026/27 season has been anything but positive.
They drew with Deportivo La Coruña before losing three consecutive games against Barcelona, Racing Santander and 10-man Real Sociedad, during which they conceded 11 goals.
The draw against Athletic halted that run, but it did not erase the defensive problems. Elche currently have the second-worst defensive record in La Liga, leaving Anselmi with little margin for error against Real Madrid.
