Who will replace Zidane at Real Madrid?
Having inspired Real Madrid to their third Champions League title in as many seasons, the future for Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid seemed obvious – carry on with European dominance whilst looking to forge a more consistent charge against Barcelona domestically.
Zidane however had other ideas and shocked the footballing world on Wednesday by announcing his decision to leave his role as head coach at Real Madrid.
Very few jobs in world football are as widely sought after as the Madrid post and we assess who could be entrusted with looking after the Galacticos next term:-
Wenger In?
Despite his tenure at Arsenal ending in somewhat of a whimper, Arsene Wenger is still very much considered to be one of the elite coaches in world football – particularly on the continent and he is now out of work and looking for a new challenge. He would imprint his style of play on Madrid’s expensively assembled squad and could perhaps galvanise the side domestically but question marks have been raised in recent years as to whether he is tactically astute enough in big games to get the job done – regardless of how it looks on the eye. Arsene Wenger is the 5/2 favourite with William Hill to be the next Real Madrid manager.
Pochettino to the rescue?
Very few managers have enjoyed the meteoric rise that Maurcio Pochettino is currently in the midst of and his stock seems to rise with every passing game. The former Espanyol man has progressed (via Southampton) to an established Champions League level manager and has gained universal praise for the job he has done in charge of Tottenham who are now one of the biggest teams in England – despite spending far less money than most of their peers. His Spanish connections also hold him in good stead but he has just signed a new deal at Tottenham and seems settled in North London. Mauricio Pochettino is 4/1 with Bet Victor to replace Zidane at Real Madrid.
Long Shots
As with any of the biggest jobs in football, the list of potential suitors and the Real Madrid job is no different in that regard. Antonio Conte’s troubles at Chelsea have been well documented and the Italian could well be looking for alternative employment very soon. He is 6/1 with Ladbrokes to take over the reins at the Bernabeu. Fans favourite Guti is also in the running and his inside knowledge of the club could prove invaluable. He is 8/1 with Bet Victor to take charge at his boyhood club. Another man who has made great waves this season is Maurizio Sarri who has revitalised Napoli and he would be a very interesting appointment at 10/1 with Bet Bright. A real outsider for the role has also emerged in Jurgen Klopp, who saw his Liverpool side defeated by Real only a week ago in the Champions League final but his worldwide appeal and infectious personality could be ideal for Madrid and he has been shortened to 10/1 with Bet Victor in recent days.
Whoever takes over at Real Madrid knows they will be in for an unprecedented level of scrutiny but taking over the European Champions is an offer very few managers will be able to refuse.