Carlo Ancelotti's days as Real Madrid boss are numbered, but not because the winningest Champions League coach needs to do a better job this season — Los Blancos are currently second in La Liga. Ancelotti is likely to pick up the Brazil gig next summer. And with that in mind, Real Madrid is looking for high-profile candidates to replace the Italian. Below are the top five candidates to become the next Real Madrid coach.
Xabi Alonso
According to rumors, Xabi Alonso is first in the job queue, with Ancelotti saying, “I wish him to be here one day.” Alonso is in his second season as boss of Bayern Leverkusen, a team he guided to the Europa League semifinals in his inaugural season.
Bayer Leverkusen are already excelling this 23/24 term, joint top of the Bundesliga in 7 games. Alonso's team has won six games, conceded six goals, and scored 29 — quite the statistics under one of the best midfielders ever to play the game.
Roberto De Zerbi
Also on the shortlist to replace Ancelotti is fellow Italian Roberto De Zerbi. The Brighton boss quickly broke the Premier League mold last season, getting the Seagulls to their first-ever Europa League entrance. Madrid might have to most fast, though, as Chelsea are looking to scoop up the chief tactician to replace Mauricio Pochettino.
Jurgen Klopp
Is Real Madrid ready for some high-energy “Gegenpressing” football? We believe so, and after leading Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League glory in recent years, mediocrity has struck. The German boss is nearing his term at Anfield, and if his fascination with Jude Bellingham is any clue, Madrid could likely be Klopp's next stop.
Zidane
When is Zidane, wizard of the pitch and dugout, not linked to return as Madrid boss? One of Real Madrid's best coaches of all time, if not the (the man's 11 Madrid titles speak for themselves), Zidane could very well be on his third term for Madrid. However, Zidane still appears to be holding out for the France job.
Raul
The Real Madrid legend Raul is the third-highest scorer in the club's history. But he's also proving to be a strong tactician in the dugout. The Spaniard enjoyed an excellent season at the helm of Real Madrid Castilla, nearly leading them to promotion. But can he work his magic at the top for first-team experience at Real Madrid? Ancelotti is also keen, “I wish Xabi, Raul, Arbeloa to become Madrid's manager one day. I love all of them,” said the Italian.
Who would be your top pick to take over the Real Madrid job next season? Let us know on Twitter.
Photo: Twitter/MadridXtra
