SOCCER

Who could replace Ancelotti if he moves to Brazil?

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has been linked with a move to Brazil. Who could replace him if he indeed leaves?

Though not a done deal yet, rumors are swirling that Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti could make a move to Brazil. Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) has said Ancelotti is the preferred choice for the job.

“We will be very ethical in our approach and we will respect the current contracts,” said Rodrigues. “We also greatly respect the work that any coach and his club do to get there and make any kind of approach, it would be a lack of respect for the president of the clubs in question.”

However, Ancelotti has once said he would “stay at Real Madrid for the rest of my life”, plus he has a contract with Madrid until 2024. He’s been under some pressure after recent results, so it’s uncertain if he’ll remain with the club after June. At this point, rumors are still just rumors. But for rumor’s sake, let’s look at who could replace Ancelotti if he does indeed fill the vacant position in Brazil.

Ancelotti possibile replacements

Raúl

Raúl was a legend for Real Madrid and is currently in charge of their Castilla side. It’s long been talked about that he could be Ancelotti’s successor.

Zinedine Zidane

Zizou is the only coach to win the Champions League three times in a row. He’s already coached Real Madrid from 2016-18 and then returned again in 2019 until 2021.

“When I’m doing something, I always give my best and sometimes the moment to change comes, not just for me, but for all the parties involved” said Zidane in May 2021. “For the players, for the club, and the fans’ sake.”

Julian Nagelsmann

Former Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann turned down the position as Real Madrid’s head coach in 2018 due to family reasons, but called it “one of the highest steps” a manager can take. He also said he “will have another chance”. Perhaps that chance is coming up again soon.

Mauricio Pochetino

Pochetino left PSG in July and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid throughout his entire coaching career.

Antonio Conte

The former Spurs coach was just released from Tottenham after failing to win any trophies, despite winning a great deal with Juventus, Chelsea, and Inter Milan.

“Failure is sometimes part of your job, and the failure pushes you to become stronger, to become better,” said Conte. “But for the big [coaches] and all the people, the expectation is to lift a trophy.”