Recent buzz has intensified about Real Madrid's next manager following the
team's technical decline under Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti. In this article
from Goal Reader Blog, we'll look at three managers who are the frontrunners
to take the helm at the Bernabéu if Ancelotti departs. Stay tuned.
Santiago Solari
Highly reliable Spanish reports suggest that Argentine manager Santiago Solari
is one of the leading candidates to succeed Carlo Ancelotti if the Italian
fails to turn the team's current form around.
Santiago Solari: Why do Real Madrid fans trust him?
Santiago Solari previously won over Real Madrid fans during his stint as
manager in the 2018-19 season.
During his previous tenure, Solari proved he had the courage to make decisions
based primarily on players' technical merit. This was evident in several
instances, most notably when he opted to field Sergio Reguilón, now with
Tottenham Hotspur, ahead of club legend Marcelo.
This characteristic recalls Solari's famous statement where he claimed some
Real Madrid players didn't deserve to wear the shirt, adding that he told them
so directly.
Solari's numbers with Real Madrid in his previous spell
During the 2018-19 season, the Argentine manager, who's tipped for a second
spell, led the team in 28 matches, winning 18, drawing 2, and losing 8.
Under Solari's guidance, Real Madrid netted 56 goals while conceding 35.
Xabi Alonso
According to highly credible sources, Real Madrid midfield legend Xabi Alonso,
currently at the helm of Bayer Leverkusen, is another strong contender to take
charge at the Bernabéu should Carlo Ancelotti depart.
Xabi Alonso: Why is Florentino Pérez keen on him?
Reliable sources indicating Alonso's potential appointment suggest that club
president Florentino Pérez sees him as the perfect fit for Real Madrid's
philosophy. They report that Pérez believes his compatriot Alonso possesses
all the necessary qualities to lead Los Blancos.
Xabi Alonso's stats with Bayer Leverkusen in the previous season
During the 2023-2024 season, Spanish coach Xabi Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen in
53 matches. Under his leadership, the team won 43 matches, lost just one, and
drew 9.
Zinedine Zidane
To a lesser extent than the two aforementioned candidates, Real Madrid legend
both as player and manager, Zinedine Zidane, is also in the running to replace
Carlo Ancelotti.
Zidane's coaching experience has been exclusively with Real Madrid across two
spells, without any other managerial roles. He remains a divisive figure among
Real Madrid fans , while some consider him the club's greatest manager ever,
others heavily criticize his two stints with the team.
Zidane's numbers during his first Real Madrid spell
During his first tenure from 2015-16 to 2017-18, Zizou managed 149 matches,
winning 105, losing 16, and drawing 28.
His team scored 398 goals while conceding 163.
Zidane's numbers during his second Real Madrid spell
In his second stint, the Frenchman took charge of 114 matches, securing 69
victories, 25 draws, and suffering 20 defeats.