Former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has claimed that he would like to see Carlo Ancelotti keep the job for a long time.
Ancelotti looks set to depart at the end of the season to take the Brazil job, but nothing is certain yet and it is unclear who Real Madrid will turn to if he does depart.
Mourinho, who was replaced by Ancelotti in 2013, has praised the Italian, and professed his ongoing support for the club over a decade after his departure.
Speaking to Corriere Dello Sport, the current AS Roma boss claimed that he wanted to see Ancelotti continue in the hot seat at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I hope, as an Ancelotti fan and Madridista, that Carlo will stay in Madrid for the long term,” Mourinho stated.
Who could Real Madrid replace Ancelotti with?
The current uncertainty over his future will not be of great use to Real Madrid right now as they aim to find a successor to their highly successful coach, but three options stand out above the rest.
Given the young focus in the Real Madrid squad right now, going down a different route to what Florentino Perez has typically done in the past and hiring Julian Nagelsmann could be a good path. The German was recently dismissed by Bayern Munich, but is one of the most impressive young coaches in Europe, and he could help the talent in this young squad flourish.
Real Madrid could also look to their history and appoint a Madridsta in Xabi Alonso or Raul. Alonso is currently impressing at Bayer Leverkusen in what is his first senior managerial job, and they will be keeping a close eye on the former midfielder’s progress in the Bundesliga.
Raul, one of Real Madrid’s biggest ever legends, is currently the manager of the Castilla side, and he could follow Zinedine Zidane’s path into taking the big job as his first role. As someone who lives and breathes Real Madrid, he certainly has the status at the club to command respect in the dressing room.
It may be argued that Ancelotti leaving will allow Real Madrid to move in a fresh direction, but clarity over his position will be needed as soon as possible.