3 overlooked manager options for Real Madrid if Carlo Ancelotti goes
Despite Real Madrid’s good league campaign and having knocked out PSG in the Champions League with a spectacular comeback, questions continue to arise about Ancelotti and whether he is the correct option to lead the team moving forward. The heavy defeat in the Clasico to Barcelona has seriously affected his stance within the club and reports are already circulating that they would be looking to move on from Ancelotti after this season. Regardless of whether Ancelotti continues or not, the process at Real Madrid of hiring a new manager is always complicated.
Contrary to the English culture, Real Madrid and La Liga sides, in general, have never been known for being patient with their managers. The excess media coverage and pressure from the fans make it extremely difficult for the managers. When looking for a new manager, the club not just looks at the achievements, but also whether they would be well received by the fans. This is why former club players turned coaches tend to have better possibilities rather than ‘outsiders’ with more achievements.
Unless they arrive with Champions League success, thrashed Barcelona and/or have animosity towards the arch-rival, then it is usually very difficult for an ‘outsider’ to get hired. These reasons are why the reported favorites to get the position if Ancelotti does not continue are Raul and Pochettino. Raul is a club icon, despite being an inexperienced manager with Real Madrid Castilla. Meanwhile, Pochettino is still yet to win the Champions League, but has done remarkable things at his prior clubs and cannot stand the sight of Barcelona.
However, there are some managers who have not been mentioned that, along with being very successful, would be of great value to the team and could be well received by the fans. Here are the overlooked options Real Madrid should consider if Ancelotti leaves.
Thomas Tuchel
The German ticks all the boxes for ‘outside’ managers. He would come with Champions League success having won it with Chelsea and beat Pep Guardiola’s (Barcelona icon) Manchester City side in the final, defeating an arch-rival figure. Real Madrid got an idea of the way his teams play as they eliminated them in the semifinal stages. He also took PSG to the Champions League final and has been known for having a strong demeanor with the players.
Along with this, Tuchel is a part of the new line of German coaches that are currently dominating with their unique attacking style of play, combined with proper defensive structure. Something that has been seen in the Champions League as teams led by a German manager have reached the last four Champions League finals, winning three consecutively.
His initial issue would be the language barrier, but Tuchel should be able to communicate with a good portion of the squad as he is trilingual and the fact that he already speaks a Latin language (French) means it should not take too long for him to pick up the native language. Another concern is his strong demeanor, which has been important for him when dealing with players, but has also seen him clash with the board of directors on prior occasions.
He had issues at PSG (though which previous PSG managers haven’t?) and was sacked from Borussia Dortmund, despite winning the German Cup that season. Although seeing how those clubs have faired since he left, the argument could be made that those directors just did not like the fact he would constantly medal in their affairs. Regardless, if Real Madrid do search for a new manager and Tuchel becomes available, this is an option that should be seriously considered.