Italian coach Antonio Conte is believed to be out of the race to replace under-fire Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui. Following Los Blancos' 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday, the latter was purportedly on the verge of being shown the exit door.
Multiple reports which emerged from Spain after the match suggested that an agreement had already been reached with Antonio Conte. In addition, his official unveiling as head coach was reportedly scheduled for Monday afternoon. Having sorted out any impending legal issues with Chelsea following his sack, the process involving the 49-year-old manager's acquisition by Real Madrid was expected to go through without complications.
Nonetheless, a new twist has emerged in the ongoing speculations. According to Spanish TV station Cuatro, the ex-Chelsea and Juventus head coach has turned his back on the possibility of coaching Real Madrid. His decision is said to be one motivated by fear which stems from the fact that he might struggle to convince players about his appointment if Lopetegui is fired.
Following Sunday's El Clasico defeat Sergio Ramos fired a stern warning at Conte. Having been asked for his opinion on the Italian coach possibly arriving at Madrid, the 32-year-old defended suggested that he might not be welcomed.
"Respect is not imposed, it's achieved with work," Ramos infamously told reporters in reference to Conte's strict managerial style.
"We have won everything with managers that you know, and in the end, the management of the dressing room is more important than the technical knowledge of a manager."
At the moment, former Galactico Santiago Solari is said to be the front-runner to replace Lopetegui in the coming days. The current head coach of Real Madrid 'B' team could reportedly begin his term as the interim manager as early as Wednesday when the team travels to Melilla in the Copa del Rey.
