The start of the year has not been easy for Real Madrid. Los Merengues have lost three games in a row against Barcelona, and with the team struggling to win games in key moments of the season, there are some within the team that think Carlo Ancelotti's time with the club could come once this campaign concludes.
The Italian boss could still save his job if he is able to lead Los Blancos to a new UEFA Champions League title, but judging by the team's performances in crucial matches, that possibility seems far-fetched. So, reporters close to the team have shared their ideas on who could take Ancelotti's place in the dugout, with some familiar names being included in the discussion.
Speaking after the game, Cadena Ser's reporter Antonio Romero revealed that president Florentino Pérez has already considered options to step in for Ancelotti if things don't go their way in the continental tournament, and according to his sources, two men are in line to replace "Carletto".
"There are two candidates that stand out above all. One of them is Mauricio Pochettino, the other one has to be Xabi Alonso," Moreno stated.
Speaking in the same direction, where Ancelotti gets sacked if the team is not able to win the Champions League, reporter Antón Meana added two more options for a potential replacement, one of them who is quite familiar with managing the team.
"Real Madrid will have to think who can replace Ancelotti if he doesn't win the (UEFA) Champions League. If you don't win anything with this club, you're out. I think there is an in house alternative in Raúl. Pochettino has to be considered because he is unemployed, and there's always the possibility of hiring Zidane," Meana said.
Cadena Ser's panel believes that Ancelotti's statements after the game, which included aiming digs at VAR officers for a disallowed goal, clearly show how pressure has had an effect on Ancelotti, and if things don't change their current course, then the club should consider a replacement for the Italian tactician.
Real Madrid still have to play a return leg of the Copa del Rey against Barcelona and the UEFA Champions League tie against Chelsea. In case Los Merengues are unable to win any of those titles this season, the fate of the Italian boss will have been decided.
