Real Madrid are considering sacking Carlo Ancelotti and have already 'chosen' the man to replace him if he's dismissed, according to reports in Spain.
Ancelotti, 65, is under huge pressure just months after leading Real Madrid to the La Liga and Champions League double last season.
Madrid have made a sluggish start to the league campaign and are four points behind Barcelona at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday night leaves them at real risk of an early elimination from Europe.
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The defending champions are currently 24th in the Champions League standings after picking up just six points from their opening five games.
Reports in Spain suggest Ancelotti could be replaced if results do not immediately improve.
Who could replace Ancelotti?
According to COPE journalist Roberto Morales, former Madrid boss Santiago Solari has been lined up to take over as manager if Ancelotti is dismissed.
The former Madrid midfielder was spotted in the stands at Anfield for the defeat to Liverpool, fuelling speculation he could replace the Italian if required.
"Solari is the chosen option if things don't get back on track and there is a big setback in the coming months," Morales posted on X.
However, he also added: "I don't see Ancelotti being dispensed with. His successes, the importance of his figure, should not open a debate to at least complete the season."
Solari, 48, previously had a brief spell in charge of Madrid in October 2018 following the dismissal of Julen Lopetegui.
But he was sacked less than five months later following a damaging Champions League defeat to Ajax, who were then managed by former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.
Solari last managed Club America in Mexico but was dismissed in 2022 following a run of poor results.
Solari could be placed in charge of Madrid on an interim basis while the club conducts a search for a long-term replacement for Ancelotti.
Xabi Alonso has been strongly linked with a move to the Bernabeu, with reports earlier this month confirming the Spaniard will step down from his role as Bayer Leverkusen head coach at the end of the season.
Former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Alonso guided Leverkusen to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title win last season and also came close to winning the Europa League, losing in the final to Atalanta. But they've found this season much tougher and are currently fourth in the German league.
Eurosport Spain claim Alonso has already told several players in the dressing room that he plans to depart, with Madrid his most likely destination.
Topics: Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, Santiago Solari, Xabi Alonso, La Liga, Champions League, Liverpool
Rory O'Callaghan