Although the season is not over, Zinedine Zidane is under pressure at Real Madrid. Los Blancos is struggling in their league defense and finished second in the Champions League group to draw PSG in the last 16, which could spell disaster for the Spanish giant.
As a result, there are question marks over the French manager despite winning back-to-back Champions League titles and La Liga last season. His contract is due to expire at the end of this season and could be axed by the merciless Florentino Perez if their fortunes do not turn around.
According to The Sun, Real Madrid is already lining up a replacement for Zidane in case his unforgettable spell at the Bernabeu ends. The British tabloid claims that one many high up on the list of candidates is Antonio Conte.
Conte is another manager struggling to match the heights of last season, as defending Premier League champion Chelsea is 14 points behind Man City in the title race. Nevertheless, the Italian is a quality coach that could be ready for new employers.
The former Juventus boss is reportedly unhappy with life at Stamford Bridge and is thus rumored to be seeking an escape route. A return to Italy to join AC Milan was highly suggested, but the offer of managing Real Madrid could prove too good to resist.
Conte, who is preparing his team for Saturday’s clash with Southampton, has a year and a half remaining in his Chelsea contract but could walk away nonetheless. Although things are patched up with Roman Abramovich, the Italian has had a rocky relationship with the Blues owner, making things even worse.
Pochettino, who is gearing up his Tottenham side for a tricky trip to the Etihad Stadium, is another candidate. The Argentine has an exciting squad in north London but could search for pastures new if his club fails to hold onto their star players.
Zidane’s immediate worry is not his job, but rather Saturday’s FIFA Club World Cup final. Real Madrid takes on Gremio in Abu Dhabi knowing victory could turn their season around.
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