Real Madrid News
Real Madrid keeping tabs on former midfielder as a future managerial candidate
Sunday could be the day that Carlo Ancelotti oversees Real Madrid win their fifth piece of silverware since his return. Coupled with the four trophies he won in his first stint, it is clear that the Italian tactician has left a special mark on the club’s history.
Rumours over his job being at risk have floated around the media for days now, especially given Real Madrid’s sub-optimal form. Yet, Ancelotti is the best manager the European Champions can hope for a variety of reasons.
For starters, the men in white have always shown to have a spark and cutting edge under the Italian tactician. Moreover, having a stable presence on the sidelines gives the administration enough time to scout for a new candidate.
But, there have been some murmurs over his future, while his contract also expires next year. So, it should not come as a surprise that Los Blancos have a list of possible replacements in place.
Club legend and Castilla coach Raul Gonzalez is seen as a potential candidate to succeed Ancelotti.
According to reports from MARCA, another Real Madrid legend, Xabi Alonso, is being closely monitored as an option for the future.
Florentino Perez wishes to go down the ‘Zinedine Zidane route’ and appoint a former player with impeccable leadership and acumen. Thus, Alonso’s name does not come as a surprise.
The former player is no stranger to managing players in the white colours, for he was in charge of Infantil A until his move to Real Sociedad B. He then promoted the Basque side to the Segunda Division before taking over an in-crisis Bayer Leverkusen project.
The Germans were in the relegation zone when Alonso took over, but have now taken steps in the right direction and sit in tenth place. In 19 Bundesliga games so far, Leverkusen have won seven games and drawn three under Alonso’s command.
Raul Gonzalez and Alvaro Arbeloa, who is currently the U-19 manager at Real Madrid, are the other names that interest the club as future candidates.
As we approach the final phase of the 2022/23 campaign, Real Madrid are facing immense pressure to renew the contracts of two of their veterans Karim Benzema and Luka Modric.
According to a recent report from Josep Pedrerol, Real Madrid have been made aware that Saudi Arabian clubs have contacted the two, with the aim of bringing them to the Middle East to enhance their league.
Modric has been facing an uncertain future with his contract expiring at the end of the season. While he is in talks with Madrid over a renewal, the midfielder has also been approached by Saudi Arabian clubs, as they look to enhance the league by roping in stars from Europe.
Al Nassr notably made headlines earlier in the year by bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. Since then, Saudi clubs have been linked with moves for players like Sergio Ramos, Eden Hazard and even Lionel Messi.
Modric, too, is considered one of the top targets for Saudi clubs. Although the midfielder has expressed his desire to continue at the Bernabeu for at least another year, a deal with Real Madrid has not materialised. This has opened up a window of opportunity for Saudi clubs to make their move.
Meanwhile, Karim Benzema was reported to be close to finalising a renewal recently, but an agreement is yet to be reached. The Frenchman has had his share of struggles with injuries and fitness this season, which has led to questions about his longevity and future at Real Madrid.
While the links to a move to Saudi Arabia have not been as prominent for Benzema, it is expected that the Saudi clubs may jump on any opportunity to lure the striker to the Middle East.
Real Madrid are aware of the situation and are working to secure the futures of their star players. However, with the prospect of lucrative contracts being offered by the Saudi Arabian clubs, the players themselves may be tempted to make the move.
