New name added to Real Madrid’s next manager race
When Carlo Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid a couple of years ago after a short spell at Everton, it was a bit of an unexpected appointment to many in the footballing world. The Italian’s first season back at Santiago Bernabeu was a grand success, as they completed the Champions League and La Liga double, exceeding all expectations. However, with the bar raised, the following campaign was lacklustre in comparison, with the only major trophy being the Copa del Rey.
This season the Italian has the team off to a good start. Outside of a disappointing derby loss to cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid, Los Blancos have been doing quite well. However, even with the solid start to the campaign, there are still rumours swirling around Ancelotti’s future with the club.
The Italian legend is widely expected to be appointed as the next head coach of the Brazil national team at the end of the season. There have been many names floated around in the media as being Ancelotti’s successor, with many believing Xabi Alonso to be the favourite to get the job.
There certainly seem to be other contenders as well. As reported by Cadena SER (via GOAL), Real Madrid are considering the name of Roberto De Zerbi after his impressive work with Brighton & Hove Albion.
New name added to Real Madrid’s next manager race
De Zerbi is for sure an unexpected name to be mentioned with the Real Madrid job. Los Blancos have crossed paths with De Zerbi in the past, defeating his Shakhtar Donetsk side in the group stage of the 2021/22 Champions League by scorelines of 5-0 and 2-1.
Currently the manager of Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. The Italian has his side off to a high-flying start this season sitting 3rd in the table and they even defeated Manchester United 3-1 at Old Trafford in a brilliant tactical display.
It remains to be seen if De Zerbi has what it takes to make such a jump from Brighton & Hove Albion to Real Madrid. But then, one could make the same argument about Alonso as well.