Florentino Pérez is still looking for the best possible candidate for the Real Madrid bench. Carlo Ancelotti has a contract until June 30, 2026 and although he has confessed on several occasions that he has no intention of leaving, the white directors, with Florentino at the head, believe that this campaign has been enough.
Because despite the fact that the official position of the Whites supports the continuity of Carlo Ancelotti, it is an open secret that, unless there is a drastic turn of events, there will be a change on the Whites’ bench for the next season. Here, neither Xabi Alonso, nor Raúl González, who was once the star candidate for the Santiago Bernabéu bench, nor Jurgen Klopp.
The German was an old suitor of the white presidency. But the coach refused after his adventure at Liverpool. This is where several rumors have arisen, but of those who are convinced that, until the man from San Sebastian packs his bags for Madrid, there are three names on the table to decide.
Zidane, Pochettino… or the continuity of Ancelotti: the three trump cards of Florentino Pérez
And what seemed like a reality in the absence of confirmation has become a sea of doubt at the Chamartín stadium. Doubts about Xabi Alonso’s future began to emerge last week, and later, Simon Rolfes, sporting director of Bayer Leverkusen, was responsible for releasing the news that very few expected: “Xabi Alonso will stay next season. He has already confirmed it to me”.
That is why Florentino Pérez only has one move left. To do so, he has brought together three names that could be important until this happens. Three very well-positioned coaches who have made their mark on the field, but also off it. In fact, and beyond what their games are, each of them fits the image that Real Madrid is looking for: seriousness, a winning philosophy and commitment.
The first of these is the one who is always there: Zinedine Zidane. The Frenchman, currently without a team, is the number one candidate to replace Ancelotti until Xabi Alonso decides to make the move. In this sense, and as an iconic figure both on the pitch and on the Santiago Bernabéu benches, the Frenchman has always had the door open for a return, and his experience in managing teams in crisis gives him an advantage over other contenders.
Zidane, the easiest option
Another name that is doing the rounds in Florentino Pérez’s office is Mauricio Pochettino. Why the Argentinean? From the “white” side of the camp they see him as having a similar profile to Ancelotti, his ability to act as a club man, his experience with big teams and a past in the league both as a player and a coach that should not be ignored.
Added to this, the fact that Pochettino knows the language and the culture of promoting young players are plus points in this race which, we repeat, can only be won with Ancelotti, away from the Bernabéu. Pochettino currently manages the United States national team, although it would not be a problem if a serious proposal were to arrive.
Finally, another possibility (or at least one to be taken into account as a possible option) is the unlikely continuity of Ancelotti. For the moment it is not the best idea from the Bernabéu, but it is believed that, in the event that the first two fail and Xabi Alonso continues to dally, the Italian could be offered the chance to remain in charge of the bench, especially if he fulfills the remaining year of his contract.