Real Madrid News
Real Madrid keeping track of Argentine coach as Ancelotti replacement
The recent sack of Julian Nagelsmann has shocked everyone in the footballing world recently, with the young German tactician being ousted by Bayern Munich, following a poor start to the Bundesliga season.
Nagelsmann has been replaced by Thomas Tuchel, who was one of the coaches that were keeping a close eye on Real Madrid’s managerial situation.
Shortly after Nagelsmann’s sack, rumours erupted about Real Madrid having a long-term interest in the German tactician, with many even expecting him to be one of the frontrunners to become the next manager for Los Blancos.
Current manager Carlo Ancelotti has indeed faced immense pressure recently, especially after the club’s poor performances in domestic competitions. If three back-to-back defeats against Barcelona was not enough, the club are on the verge of relinquishing their league crown.
Ancelotti’s potential departure at the end of the season means Real Madrid have already started looking for replacements.
While Nagelsmann is one option, a report from Bruno Andrade (h/t Madrid Xtra) states that the Spanish giants are also keeping an eye on Marcelo Gallardo.
A former playmaker for Paris Saint-Germain, Gallardo is without a job right now. But he has substantial managerial experience, having spent more than eight years as a manager at River Plate, overseeing 424 competitive matches.
Gallardo left River Plate in late 2022 and has been available since. The Argentine is rated highly due to his tactical prowess and ability to nurture young players.
While Nagelsmann boasts similar qualities, Gallardo certainly has more experience in managing South American talents and his superior man-management skills could potentially make him a better option for Los Blancos.
However, Gallardo does lack experience in managing in Europe, which could potentially act as a bottleneck as Real Madrid look to scout their options ahead of the coming summer.
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.
