Real Madrid News
Real Madrid shortlist two managers to replace Ancelotti in the future – report
The post of manager at Real Madrid is one of the most demanding jobs in the world of football.
The near-zero margin for error makes the candidate tread a tightrope throughout his tenure, and trophies are not seen as successes but as a bare minimum requirement for continuity.
Carlo Ancelotti is one of the club’s most successful managers in recent history and has won the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup in his second stint at the club. Yet, there are doubts over his continuity at the Spanish capital.
According to reports from ABC (h/t Madrid Xtra), the Italian tactician is aware that his future in Real Madrid is under a cloud of doubt.
A lot of questions have arisen ever since the men in white came second best to Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup, and the recent Clasico defeat only adds salt to the wounds.
Though many members of the management are in favour of his continuity, the final decision in June will depend on the administrators at the higher levels. Thus, it is significant to note that Florentino Perez himself is unhappy with the coach.
The Spanish outlet adds that the Real Madrid president did not like the manner in which Ancelotti selected his starting lineup against Atletico Madrid.
The manager kept Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga on the bench, but Perez felt that he should have deployed his strongest XI to secure the win.
Given the uncertainty over Ancelotti’s future and the reported interest from the Brazilian National Team to hire him, there is a real chance that this could be the Italian’s final season at the helm.
In such a situation, Los Blancos reportedly have two names lined up as replacements.
The most obvious choice would be to promote Raul Gonzalez, who has been doing a tremendous job at Real Madrid Castilla. The club legend dreams of managing the first team, and now arguably has the experience required to take on the task.
Another option considered viable is Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine tactician is yet to return to action after his stint at PSG and is undoubtedly one of the biggest names available on the market.
In a positive update, Real Madrid defender David Alaba is set to return from his injury by making an appearance for the Austrian national team against Estonia later tonight, confirms Sergio Quirante.
Alaba has been out of action for over a month now, after picking up an injury during Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg tie against Liverpool at Anfield.
The Austrian international had been making progress in training at the club but was not ready in time for the Clasico against Barcelona on March 19.
Despite the injury, Alaba travelled to join the Austrian national team during the current international break.
And, according to the report from Sergio Quirante, the Real Madrid ace has good feelings after training with his national team. Having had several sessions under his belt now, the versatile defender is all set to make his return later tonight.
Austria will face off against Estonia in their second UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers Group F encounter later tonight and Alaba is in line to get some minutes against the minnows.
What remains to be seen is whether manager Ralf Rangnick opts to start the former Bayern Munich superstar on the night or introduces him as a substitute in the latter stages of the game.
Alaba’s imminent return will be good news for Real Madrid, who have a series of important matches coming up after the international break as they look to salvage their season.
Following the loss to Barcelona earlier this month, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are now 12 points off the top of the table in La Liga and are pretty much out of the equation to retain the title. They are also training the Catalans 1-0 in the Copa del Rey semi-finals while Chelsea await in the Champions League quarter-finals.
