Why Real Madrid might not get a chance to hire Mauricio Pochettino

Real Madrid are searching for the right man to replace Zinedine Zidane on the bench at the Santiago Bernabeu, and the two biggest names linked to the job are PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino and former Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte.

Whereas Conte is officially on the market after parting ways with the Nerazzurri despite winning the Scudetto, Pochettino is still under contract in Paris for one more year. There are rumors of unrest between Poch and PSG sporting director Leonardo, who already axed Thomas Tuchel during the season, and even Tottenham are being linked to their former manager.

Though Los Blancos seem to favor Pochettino among all the possible options to replace Zidane, it doesn’t sound like they’ll get an opportunity to grab the man who once led Tottenham to a Champions League Final.

According to a report from MARCA’s Pablo Polo, it does not seem like PSG will allow Mauricio Pochettino to leave the club and join another elite side in Europe, in spite of the rumors suggesting Leonardo could let him go. PSG reportedly view Pochettino as the right man for the job, regardless of the friction or the disappointing performances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

Real Madrid can’t afford to upset PSG

As for Real Madrid, we all know how delicate their relationship is with PSG, and it’s become even more important to stay on their good side in light of the difficult “Operation Mbappe” that is set to proceed this summer.

Pochettino may be Real’s preferred option, but it’s not worth risking angering PSG. And if PSG have no intention of losing Poch, then the passive approach to signing the former Spurs manager is likely out the window as well.

Therefore, Antonio Conte becomes an even more likely option, as he and Pochettino seem to be at the top of the list. Raul is another possibility, but it’s starting to sound like he’s only an option for Los Blancos if they have to “settle” on someone other than a big name.