Real Madrid News
Real Madrid would be delighted if Ancelotti leaves, Pochettino most likely replacement
Real Madrid are staring at an uncertain summer, particularly due to the precarious situation of their managerial position.
Carlo Ancelotti has faced immense pressure from the board following a series of poor displays in domestic competitions. This has been coupled with three back-to-back losses at the hands of eternal rivals FC Barcelona.
Unsurprisingly, a lot of candidates have emerged as a potential replacement for Ancelotti come the end of the season. Julian Nagelsmann, who was recently fired by Bayern Munich, is one of them.
However, according to Alfredo Matilla, Real Madrid, although determined to get rid of Ancelotti in the summer, in the form of a gentleman’s agreement, are favouring a move for Mauricio Pochettino as his desired replacement.
Pochettino was linked with a move to Santiago Bernabeu a few years ago, but the move did not materialise. Since then, he has publicly stated his desire to become a coach at Real Madrid and a man of his word, he has continued to turn down offers from other clubs.
A potential move to Bernabeu is looking more real than ever, with the Argentine emerging as the frontrunner, ahead of other options such as Nagelsmann and most recently, Marcelo Gallardo.
Formerly of Tottenham and PSG, Pochettino has not managed a club since his departure from Paris in the middle of 2022. However, he has extensive managerial experience, having overseen almost 300 matches at Spurs while taking charge of 84 matches for PSG as well.
Pochettino has experience managing in Spain as well, having started his career with a stint at Espanyol. He can, therefore, be an interesting option for Real Madrid as they look for a fresh start after a disappointing season under Ancelotti.
The Italian tactician, in turn, looks likely to join the Brazilian national team in the summer, as a direct replacement for Tite.
As Real Madrid brace themselves for a busy summer transfer window with an array of exits on the cards, the club is particularly keen on beefing up their attacking positions. Following a difficult season where the Copa del Rey trophy proved to be one of the only redeeming factors, recruitments are sought after in the hope of regaining their crown in Europe.
Florentino Perez envisions a competitive Real Madrid attack next season and thus links with football’s most prized assets barely astound. In a recent revelation by Pacojo Ser, it appears that the Los Blancos have set their sights on Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. The two Englishmen are considered Madrid’s plan A.
Bellingham has long been on Madrid’s radar and arguably has one foot in the Spanish capital already. Fabrizio Romano informs that Real Madrid hope to complete the details of his deal next week. Talks are advancing between Dortmund and Madrid as they edge towards an agreement.
Bellingham fell short of the Bundesliga title after a dramatic final day but ended up salvaging the player of the competition award. In 31 Appearances, he garnered 8 Goals and 4 Assists, with 34 Chances created, a 55% Tackle completion, and a 67% Dribble success.
On the other hand, Harry Kane continues to be monitored significantly by the Real Madrid hierarchy. While his future mostly revolves around the continuation of Benzema which is still up in the air, Kane would be considered a priority signing, especially if Benzema’s move to Saudi Arabia materializes.
Kane currently has the second most goal+assists in the premier league season, with a total of 33. Despite falling behind Haaland in numbers, he performed consistently for Spurs as they endured a rocky season marred with complications.
Real Madrid are in the midst of a transition phase as the ageing midfield requires new blood, while the front line has many uncertainties. After Asensio’s departure, losing Benzema would further deplete the attack. Thus Bellingham and Kane being considered as the ‘Plan A’ hardly comes as a surprise.
