Potential Replacements for Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid Manager

Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti has done an impressive job in his second stint with the club, earning the respect and admiration of the team and its supporters. However, with his contract ending in 2024, there have been speculations of a possible exit if Real Madrid finish trophyless next summer. Should this happen, who could be a potential candidate to replace the Italian?

Before considering specific coaches, Real Madrid needs to determine what type of coach they want to hire. The recent trend in European football is to appoint coaches who have a specific style of play. Real Madrid has been more successful with flexible managers who rely more on their stars to produce.

Ancelotti, Zinedine Zidane, and Jose Mourinho have been the club’s most successful coaches over the past 15 years, and all three have depended on player freedom in the attacking third of the pitch. However, there are very few elite coaches available who adopt this style of play.

Zidane is currently without a club, but his return to Real Madrid is unlikely before taking on a new challenge. Another free agent is Joachim Low, who last managed a club in 2004 and has never coached a club as large as Real Madrid.

If Real Madrid were to opt for a more detail-oriented tactician, Thomas Tuchel would likely be their top choice. Tuchel has a fantastic record in knockout competitions and has gained big club experience with Chelsea, PSG, and Borussia Dortmund.

Mauricio Pochettino is also a potential candidate, and Julian Nagelsmann of Bayern Munich could be a dark horse as well, although it would be an unlikely move.

Real Madrid could also consider promoting from within, as they did with Zidane years ago. Raul has been rumored as a possible candidate.

As rumors continue to swirl around Ancelotti’s future, Real Madrid’s board will need to find a coach who can manage stars. It is crucial to bring in the right person to fill Ancelotti’s big shoes, should he depart.