Real Madrid readying a potential replacement for Carlo Ancelotti: Reports
According to reports, Real Madrid have identified former manager Santiago Solari as a replacement should the club decide to part ways with Carlo Ancelotti before the end of the season. The news comes after Los Blancos' 2-0 defeat against Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday, the third loss in their last five matches across competitions.
Carlo Ancelotti guided Real Madrid to the La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles last season, but the team has faced difficulties in replicating those achievements this campaign. Although the club currently occupies second place in La Liga, their position in the Champions League standings starkly contrasts with the team's overall quality. Real Madrid are currently in 24th place in the UCL's league phase table.
As such, speculations are rife about Ancelotti’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu, with reports claiming that Los Blancos are considering parting ways with the Italian manager.
According to Spanish outlet Cadena COPE, Real Madrid have told Santiago Solari to be ready to take over as manager if Carlo Ancelotti is sacked. Journalist Roberto Morales told El Partidazo on Cadena COPE:
"Why do we see Ancelotti in a press conference sending a message that we have rarely seen? Boasting about his CV. Why doesn't he look at the negative today and look at the positive? I am told from within that a couple of weeks ago they told Solari to be prepared. And that is a message that reaches him, just as it reaches us, it reaches the coach. And it gets on Ancelotti's nerves. I don't even know who said it, nor do I want to comment on it as news. I was told this week, having a drink with someone important, that Solari has been warned."
Ancelotti’s potential replacement Solari is currently the director of professional football at Real Madrid. The Argentine has coached at the club at several levels. He has managed the youth setup of the club, U18, U19, the reserve team (Real Madrid Castilla), and the first team.
Florentino Perez to hold talks with Carlo Ancelotti amid Real Madrid struggles – Reports
Amid reports of Ancelotti’s probable sack at Real Madrid, the club’s president, Florentino Perez, is set to hold talks with the Italian manager.
According to Marca, club president Florentino Perez will have a conversation with Carlo Ancelotti before the club’s match against Getafe in La Liga on Sunday, December 1. During the meeting, both parties will discuss their perspectives on the team's performance.
As per the abovementioned source, Ancelotti said that his players' reactions were positive after the defeat to Liverpool. It remains to be seen how the conversation between Perez and Ancelotti will pan out and whether the Los Blancos will exercise patience with the latter in his bad spell.