Real Madrid are reportedly considering sacking head coach Carlo Ancelotti and replacing him with Manchester United target Mauricio Pochettino.
According to Spanish publication AS, Madrid president Florentino Perez was left furious with Madrid’s defensive tactics in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
PSG, managed by Pochettino, dominated the match at the Parc des Princes and won 1-0 thanks to a brilliant late goal from Kylian Mbappe, who has been strongly linked with a move to Madrid in the summer.
Ancelotti’s future at the Bernabeu could now rest on the result of the second leg in Spain on March 12.
Advert
It is unlikely Madrid will sack Ancelotti before the end of the season, with the club four points clear at the top of La Liga.
However, Perez is said to be considering a summer replacement for the former Everton manager, who only signed a three-year contract with Madrid in June.
Pochettino is said to be top of the list of targets for Madrid, who are aware of Manchester United’s interest in the former Tottenham manager.
Perez is also said to be an admirer of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp but Madrid could struggle to tempt the German away from Anfield, where he is under contract until 2024.
Advert
According to the report, Madrid would need to move quickly at the end of the season if they were to beat United to Pochettino.
The Argentine was in talks to take charge at Old Trafford in November after the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
However, Pochettino opted to remain at PSG, with United instead appointing Ralf Rangnick as interim manager until the end of the season.
Advert
Pochettino remains in contention to become United’s next permanent manager, with Ajax boss Erik ten Hag also among those being considered for the role.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Football, Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Mauricio Pochettino, Carlo Ancelotti