Real Madrid line up Zidane as Ancelotti's successor

Zinedine Zidane is one of the highest-paid football managers in the world 2023

Real Madrid line up Zidane as Ancelotti's successor

Ayoola Kelechi 23:58 - 27.04.2023

Real Madrid have reportedly opened talks with former manager Zinedine Zidane over a possible return to the club in the summer

Spanish giants Real Madrid have reportedly lined up former manager Zinedine Zidane as a successor to current manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is expected to leave the club at the end of the season if results at the end of the season do not go Los Blancos’ way. 

Madrid consider Ancelotti’s future

Ancelotti has been on the edge of the Santiago Bernabeu with one foot in the job, and one foot out of it after Real Madrid underwhelmed in LaLiga, allowing Barcelona to open an 11-point lead at the top of the table. 

Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane on the touchline
Zidane and Ancelotti have won a combined five UEFA Champions League titles as Real Madrid managers

Although Ancelotti got his revenge by knocking the Blaugrana out of the Copa del Rey semifinal, it is believed that even a win in the Spanish Cup will not be able to save his job at the end of the season if Real Madrid are not successful in defending their UEFA Champions League title. 

Zidane favourite to land Real Madrid job if Ancelotti leaves

Although Los Blancos are in the semifinals of the UCL, they have still decided to make preparations, in case they are unable to clinch a preferred trophy this season, by lining up former manager and player Zidane for a potential third spell with the club. 

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According to a report by French outfit Foot Mercato, Real Madrid have already opened talks with the three-time UEFA Champions League winner over a possible return and will move on those talks if they grow more disillusioned with Ancelotti’s performances. 

Should Zidane return, Real Madrid will be hoping he can bring back the dominance that saw the side win three UEFA Champions League titles in a row between 2016 and 2019 under the Frenchman. 

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