Carlo Ancelotti is contracted to be the Real Madrid manager until the summer of 2024. However, a trophyless season may result in the Italian’s tenure coming to an early end. Julian Nagelsmann and Mauricio Pochettino have been both linked with the Santiago Bernabeu job but who would be the better option?
Pochettino has managed Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain so far in his career. And he has been successful in one way or another at each of those clubs.
The Argentine implemented a fluid and organized system at Southampton which led them to becoming one of the most entertaining sides in the English top flight. At that time, he also achieved the club’s best league finish since the 2002/03 season and highest points tally since the Premier League began.
His best managerial stint was at Tottenham Hotspur without doubt. He achieved a lot of great things at the club and even guided them to their first ever Champions League final appearance. They played scintillating football with some brilliant players like Dele Alli, Harry Kane, Kyle Walker and Christian Eriksen.
Nagelsmann or Pochettino, who would be a better Real Madrid manager?
It’s safe to say that Pochettino failed to meet expectations at PSG. On paper, he had the best and most talented front three in world football along with some world-class midfielders and defenders like Marco Verratti and Marquinhos.
PSG have constantly struggled in Europe regardless of who is in the dugout though. So Pochettino’s struggles there are understandable to a certain extent. He did achieve success domestically with them.
On the other hand, Nagelsmann is currently one of the best young managers in football and all of his sides have a clear identity. He is known for his intense press and counter-press, constant overloads and man management ability.
He led Hoffenheim to UEFA Champions League qualification for the first time in their history. At RB Leipzig, he became the youngest manager to win a match in Europe’s elite competition after defeating Benfica 2-1. He also became the youngest manager to win a knockout tie in the competition, getting past Tottenham Hotspur.
His Bayern Munich tenure was much shorter than expected. Whether his exit was deserved or not is still up for debate. He won the Bundesliga title and two DFL Supercups with the club. He also had a 71.4% win rate. Only Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola and Hansi Flick averaged more Bundesliga points than him.
Every manager has their shortcomings. But a decision must be made if Ancelotti is shown the exit door. Both Nagelsmann and Pochettino have been linked with Real Madrid for years.
In our opinion, Nagelsmann would be the right man for Real Madrid in the scenario that Ancelotti departs. His clear identity of football would be good for the club and their youth prospects would be in safe hands.