The five coaches who said 'no' to Madrid in the summer
Pochettino, Allegri, Klopp, Conte and Nagelmann all rejected offers from Real Madrid before Florentino turned to Lopetegui.
Pochettino | First choice
The Argentine coach signed a new deal with Spurs in May, extending his contract with the Premier League club until 2023. Florentino Pérez was also unwilling to strain his relationship with Daniel Levy, particularly after the tense negotiations for Gareth Bale. Spurs are currently fifth in the Premier League and sit third in Group B in the Champions League.
Club: Tottenham. | Age: 46.
Allegri | Winning the Champions League the priority
Massimiliano Allegri's current obsession is winning Europe's elite competition with Juve. "I turned down Madrid because I said 'yes' to Juve," he admitted. The Italian coach is under contract until 2020, with the reigning champions currently sitting at the top of Serie A, with a four-point lead, and Group H in the Champions League.
Club: Juventus. | Age: 51.
Klopp | Control over proceedings at Liverpool
Klopp is currently leading a project with his name and approach stamped all over it. He is also a firm favourite among the Kop faithful, and didn't even consider negotiating his departure. The German coach is under contract until 2022. His side are joint top, alongside Guardiola's Manchester City, and currently sit second in Group C in the Champions League, behind Napoli.
Club: Liverpool. | Age: 51.
Conte | Iron-fist rule appeals to Florentino
The Italian coach, known for his no-nonsense approach, won three Scudettos with Juventus, and a Premier League title with Chelsea, as well as coaching the Italian national side. United have also sounded out Conte as a potential replacement for Mourinho.
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Club: Currently without a club. | Age: 49.
Nagelsmann | More than capable at the tender age of 31
Nagelsmann became the youngest ever coach to lead out a team in the Champions League. His Hoffenheim side are sitting 8th in the Bundesliga but are proving tough opposition in the Champions League. The German coach has a deal in place to take over at Leipizig next summer.
Club: Hoffenheim. | Age: 31.
