Mauricio Pochettino Favourite For Real Madrid Job With Zinedine Zidane Under Pressure

Mauricio Pochettino is the favourite to take over from Zinedine Zidane, with the Real Madrid boss under pressure after losing to Shakhtar on Tuesday night.

Zidane is at serious risk of losing his job at the Bernabeu following the side's loss to Shakhtar in the Champions League on Matchday five.

The loss leaves the 13 times European champions knowing another loss, to group leaders Borussia Monchengladbach, on the final Matchday would see them knocked out before the latter stages, which has left Zidane under serious pressure.

According to Marca, should the club decide to get rid of Zidane then Pochettino is favourite to get the top job for Los Blancos.

The Spanish outlet says that sacking the boss isn't currently something they want to do but it is something that it considered an option, when it wasn't previously.

In his first spell as manager Zidane won three Champions League titles in-a-row, in just two and half seasons in charge of the club he used to play for.

He left in 2018 but returned just a year later and last season won La Liga from rivals Barcelona but form this season has taken a nosedive.

Zizou's team have won just five from their opening 10 games in the league, with three losses, and have lost twice in Europe, with two losses, in their five group games so far.

Pochettino has been out of work since leaving Spurs last year, just months after leading them to the Champions League final, and has been linked with a number of high profile jobs since.

There were rumours that Manchester United held talks with the former Southampton boss just a couple of months ago.

Real are not thought to have spoken to him yet but it's unlikely a deal would be too tough to come by, with the Argentinian speaking previously about being interested in managing the Spanish giants.

Marca do say the club know how difficult it would be to get rid of a club legend like Zidane, but if results continue like they are they may be left with little choice.

A loss to Monchengladbach next week would definitely see them knocked out of the Champions League but a draw would also see them go out if Shakhtar draw with Inter on the same night.

As well as Poch, Real legendary striker Raul has been suggested as a possible candidate but the club see him as one for the future and not the present.