Real Madrid News
Real Madrid legend trailing three other candidates to replace Ancelotti as manager – report
A recent report from Cadena SER has offered a detailed update on the future of Carlo Ancelotti, suggesting that Real Madrid are not in a position to guarantee the Italian’s continuity beyond the summer.
This comes after a series of underwhelming performances in domestic competitions, with Real Madrid currently trailing their arch-rivals Barcelona by 12 points. They also lost to the Blaugrana three times in a row since the turn of the year.
As Real Madrid gear up to face Barcelona once again in the second leg of the Copa Del Rey semifinal next month, the club management is working around the clock to scout potential replacements for Ancelotti.
In recent days, Julian Nagelsmann has emerged as an option for Los Blancos, after the German was sacked by Bayern Munich. Another option is RM Castilla coach Raul, who is well aware of the club’s dynamics and could represent a cleaner transition.
However, journalist Anton Meana, as mentioned in the report, suggests there are at least three more names that are currently ahead of Raul, in the race to become the Real Madrid coach next season.
The three names in contention are Zinedine Zidane, Xabi Alonso and former Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino.
While Pochettino is considered to be the favourite by many, Xabi Alonso has emerged as a recent target, following the former midfielder’s plaudits with the Bayer Leverkusen side this season.
Zidane, meanwhile, is another surprise inclusion. The Frenchman has already managed the team twice during his career and is in contention to return for a third term. However, it must be noted that he is not the favourite just yet.
As things stand, it is too early to dissect the most likely candidate to replace Ancelotti. Only time will tell what comes next, as we approach the business end of the campaign.
Speaking to the media, Brazil Football Confederations (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues has claimed that the Selecao have not given up on their pursuit of Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, despite the Italian stating that he will not leave the club.
Brazil have been without a manager since the World Cup in Qatar last year, following which Tite stepped down. The CBF have made Ancelotti their top target and have been pursuing his signing for months but to no avail.
The 63-year-old Italian tactician has, on more than one occasion, made it clear that he will be at Real Madrid next season, with his contract expiring in 2024.
However, CBF president Rodrigues is adamant that Ancelotti’s statements are due to him being cautious as he is under contract at Real Madrid and that the Selecao are not prepared to give up on their quest to appoint him as of yet.
“We made a plan, that ‘Plan A’ is the one you know, Ancelotti, and as they say in the ‘ring’ (boxing), I haven’t thrown in the towel yet,” Rodrigues said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
“Because of contracts, people are cautious,” he added.
Ancelotti, for his part, has repeatedly stated that he does not intend to leave Real Madrid unless he is forced out of the club.
Despite missing out on the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League titles last season, the club continue to back the veteran Italian and are planning for next season with him in charge.
So, despite Rodrigues’ confidence and perseverance, it is extremely unlikely that Ancelotti will be leaving Real Madrid for Brazil this summer.
