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Topics: Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, Santiago Solari, Xabi Alonso, La Liga, Champions League, Liverpool
Luke Davies
Topics: Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, Santiago Solari, Xabi Alonso, La Liga, Champions League, Liverpool
Real Madrid may have ‘already decided’ who their ideal replacement for Carlo Ancelotti could be.
Ancelotti, 65, is currently managing the club for a second time, having previously taken charge between 2013-15.
Despite winning La Liga and the Champions League last season, Madrid have started the season in mixed form.
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They have experienced shock defeats against Lille and AC Milan in the Champions League, as well as a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield last week.
As a result, they currently sit 24th in the 36-team Champions League group phase.
Domestically, they sit second in La Liga, trailing league leaders Barcelona by four points - although Madrid have two games in hand.
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Of course, the club have not commented on these rumours, nor is it confirmed that Ancelotti’s job is in jeopardy.
However, according to COPE journalist Roberto Morales, former Madrid boss Santiago Solari has been linked with a return to the club.
"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.
"I don't see Ancelotti being dispensed with,” he added.
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“His successes, the importance of his figure, should not open a debate to at least complete the season."
Solari, 48, previously managed the club’s ‘B team’ between 2016 and 2018 before making the step up to the senior position of interim manager in October of 2018 following the departure of Julen Lopetegui.
The Argentinian was named permanent manager two weeks after undertaking the interim position but was sacked in March 2019 following an embarrassing 4-1 Champions League round of 16 defeat to Erik ten Hag’s Ajax.
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Reports from Football Espana suggest that Xabi Alonso would be the club’s long-term solution if Ancelotti were to move on, but him joining mid-way through a season may not be feasible.
Therefore, Solario could provide a short-term fix.
Ahead of the 2019 sacking, two key Real Madrid stars gave their thoughts on the situation when Solario was in charge, with Sergio Ramos dubbing it “disastrous” while Nacho explained how the team had a “difficult” relationship with the coach, according to ESPN’s report at the time.
Solario was succeeded by Zinedine Zidane, who went on to win three Champions Leagues as Madrid manager.