Real Madrid shortlist three candidates to replace Santiago Solari

Real Madrid have shortlisted three candidates to replace Santiago Solari at Santiago Bernabeu. 

Since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer transfer window, Real Madrid have been struggling at both ends of the field – offensively and defensively. There are no second thoughts that the Portuguese International bailed out the club on majority occasions when his side cried out for inspiration more often.

Former Los Blancos manager Julen Lopetegui was critical about the board because the former Spain manager was keen on securing the services of a prolific number 9, but Florentino Perez opted for Mariano Diaz. Things did not pan out well and the Spanish International was relieved from his managerial duties.

Real Madrid have been in complete disarray as they lost to Barcelona in the domestic competitions twice in four days which has forced Santiago Solari to come forward with a solution to salvage the season. The Argentine International is now facing pressure to deliver results after a reasonable start to his managerial reign at the capital city of Spain.

The Spanish publication AS report that Florentino Perez has identified three candidates to take over the club from Santiago Solari after the conclusion of this season. It is understood the reigning Champions League winners are looking at Mauricio Pochettino, Massimiliano Allegri, and Joachim Low.

Real Madrid’s interest on the Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is not private. Following the departure of Zinedine Zidane, the Spanish outfit wanted the Argentine, but he already committed to the English outfit by signing a new five-year deal.

Several reports quote that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is looking for a figure of 40 million upwards to lure him from London. Manchester United are the other side to have interest in him, but nothing is certain currently.

He talked about Real Madrid rumours in December, “This type of news does not upset people or bore people,” he told a pre-match news conference.

“I prefer that the newspapers talk about the things like you are telling me rather than talking about things like Tottenham is going to sack me or people are tired of me and we are in a difficult situation.

“Of course, if I need to choose one situation, I choose this one. I am not bored, of course.” said Pochettino.

Massimiliano Allegri is on the cusp of leading them to fourth straight Serie A title. The Italian International distanced himself from the job when he was linked with a potential move after the resignation of Zidane.

Despite snubbing the rumours last year, there is no doubt that he would have one eye on this job as he would seek a change in the adventure. It will be interesting to see if Florentino Perez offers him a job during the summer.

Joachim Low is another manager on Real Madrid’s shortlist. The 59-year-old has been managing the German football team over the last 13 years and went to win the World Cup in 2014.

Low has a relatively decent track record with the club by leading DFB Pokal and UEFA Winners up success with VfB Stuttgart. He managed Austria Wein and lifted the Austrian Supercup with them.

The German International has opened about managing a club, but he is not looking to move out of his national side until 2020 when his contract expires.

“I was a club coach for a few years and I’m still not thinking about retirement. So there will come a time when you have to think about what to do next. For my part, I’m still interested in managing a club.

“I think it would be abroad, not in Germany. Real Madrid is an interesting club for every coach. I rule this out totally. Madrid will find a suitable replacement but yes, the Zidane resignation did take me by surprise.” Low said after the resignation of Zidane.

Other than these three, Jose Mourinho is another name which has been on the fans lips. The Portuguese International is currently without a club and has been linked with a move back to Santiago Bernabeu.

On the Mourinho speculation, Solari said at a press conference: “This club has always had more suitors than Julia Roberts, it’s quite normal.”

If the results do not improve under Solari, there is every chance that the Los Blancos will be looking to replace him and lure either one of these three to put the club back on track.