A Spanish press report on Saturday revealed the name of the leading candidate to succeed Carlo Ancelotti as head coach of Real Madrid. This comes amid a recent dip in the team’s performances in both La Liga and the Champions League, raising questions about the Italian manager’s future with the club.
According to the Relevo network, Argentine coach Santiago Solari has emerged as the leading candidate to take charge of Real Madrid, should Carlo Ancelotti be dismissed mid-season.
The report stated: “Solari is not merely a potential option for Real Madrid; he is the club’s top choice among the available candidates to take on this significant responsibility—though the hope remains that circumstances won’t necessitate his appointment.”
The network also revealed that Solari was informed on November 5 that he might be called upon to lead the team if Real Madrid suffered a defeat at home to Osasuna, following two consecutive losses to Barcelona and Milan.
However, with a slight return to stability and a challenging fixture list ahead—beginning with a La Liga clash against Leganés on Sunday, followed by critical Champions League trips to Liverpool and Atalanta—Real Madrid has managed to restore some calm within the club.
Experience and determination:
Solari possesses the necessary experience and character to lead Real Madrid. During his brief stint as interim coach in 2018, he displayed strong determination, making tough decisions such as sidelining prominent players like Isco and Marcelo. His deep knowledge of the club’s academy is also seen as a significant asset, especially with the team grappling with injuries, as highlighted by Relevo.
However, Real Madrid views Solari’s potential role as temporary, with the club not considering him as a long-term solution. The future of the team’s managerial position is expected to be guided by a long-term vision, with 2025 or 2026 in mind. Xabi Alonso’s name has emerged as one of the key candidates for the role, reflecting the club’s commitment to securing a manager who can lead the team into the future.
