On the back foot after a series of disappointing results, Carlo Ancelotti is hoping for a miracle. But should he be sacked during the season, Real Madrid have already planned everything.
After two consecutive home defeats to Barcelona (0-4) and AC Milan (1-3), Carlo Ancelotti’s future is uncertain. The Italian coach is looking for ways to get back to winning ways following the retirement of Toni Kroos, which has turned his tactical plans upside down.
Despite the presence of Kylian Mbappe, who arrived this summer from Paris Saint-Germain, Carlo Ancelotti is still unable to find the key. This Wednesday, Marca surprisingly announced that Real Madrid have renewed their confidence in the Italian coach. For the moment, Carlo Ancelotti is not threatened with dismissal. But it could be inevitable if the former Bayern Munich coach continues his downward spiral.
No Zidane, Raúl or Solari in case of emergency
The threat of Ancelotti’s dismissal has already led to contingency plans. If Real Madrid were to part company with him during the course of the season, the names of Raul Gonzalez and Santiago Solari are circulating as temporary solutions, according to Marca. Both are legends of the club and know the White House inside out, with solid experience in youth team and managerial roles.
Raul, who is in charge of Real Madrid Castilla, enjoys a strong reputation for his work with the club’s talented youngsters, although he too is in the hot seat due to a lack of results. As for Solari, although he did not leave a lasting impression during his spell in charge of the first team in 2018-2019, he could take on the role of interim coach pending a definitive choice. After all, Real Madrid do not envisage Zinedine Zidane returning to the bench for a third time following his differences with Florentino Perez in 2021.
Xabi Alonso, the long-term option?
In the event of Ancelotti’s departure, Real Madrid could opt for a more long-term solution. The preferred target would be Xabi Alonso, currently in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, where he has impressed with his ability to establish an effective and attractive playing philosophy. His past as a player at Real Madrid, combined with his talent as a tactician, make him an ideal candidate to relaunch the Madrid project.
But Xabi Alonso will not be leaving Leverkusen this season. That is why Real Madrid would like to test the Raúl González-Santiago Solari pairing if Carlo Ancelotti is sacked before the end of the current season. Under contract at Madrid until 2026, Carlo Ancelotti currently holds all the cards to restore Real Madrid’s reputation in La Liga and especially in the Champions League this season.
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