Several names have been linked with the Real Madrid head coach position vacated by Zinedine Zidane almost a week ago. Antonio Conte, the man who has won the league with each of his last three clubs, had been named as a candidate but Los Blancos look set to pass up on the Italian in favor of a Premier League manager.
That man is none other than former boss Carlo Ancelotti, who is currently in charge of English outfit Everton. This is according to Cadena SER's 'El Larguero', as per Marca, claiming that the 61-year-old has moved to the top of the list ahead of the likes of Conte, Raul, Pochettino, and Joachim Low.
While Carletto was infamously sacked by Florentino Perez after one poor season in the Spanish capital caused by unfortunate injuries, he left Los Blancos with fond memories. It was the highly-respected Italian boss who ended the club's wait for a UEFA Champions League title, securing La Decima in the unforgettable victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid in the 2014 final.
His two-year spell ended in an unfortunate manner but his relationship with Florentino Perez and the Bernabeu higher-ups in general remains amiable. The last time Real Madrid were in doubt regarding a head coach, they went back to their roots and called up Zidane once again. History looks to repeat itself as Ancelotti's second spell at the Merengues appears to be a matter of when, not if.
The reasons are understandable. Acquiring Conte isn't without complications while PSG are unwilling to let Pochettino go just a few months into his reign. As for Raul, the Castilla coach, the feeling is that the time is not right for the Spaniard to make this huge step.
According to trusted transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Ancelotti is considered to be "one step" away from a Real Madrid return and is working to terminate his contract with Everton. The experienced tactician "won't create any problem on personal terms", hinting at his eagerness to jump ships.
As for the Toffees, they are keen on keeping the Italian but could be helpless in that fight. David Moyes is being tipped as a candidate for the Goodison Park job should it become available soon, having coached the Merseyside outfit for 11 years from 2002 to 2013. Nuno Espirito Santo, who recently brought an end to his tenure at Wolves, is also an option.
