After months of speculation and very, very public courting from the Brazilian football federation, the Selecao look to have finally secured Carlo Ancelotti as their next manager.
Per reports, once the legendary coach's current contract at Real Madrid ends in 2024, Ancelotti will take up the role as Brazil's next permanent head coach.
So who should Real Madrid hire to replace Ancelotti?
90min have picked out a few options for Los Blancos...
1. Raul Gonzalez
As one of the greatest players in the club's history, and also the current Real Madrid Castilla manager, Raul Gonzalez is the 'promoting from within' choice that Los Blancos could make.
With Real Madrid previously having success in promoting a Castilla manager to first-team head coach - when they promoted Zinedine Zidane - this may be shrewd move to make if Ancelotti does depart.
2. Xabi Alonso
Another Real Madrid legend, Xabi Alonso has thoroughly impressed during his short career as a manager to date.
The 2010 World Cup winner has done a remarkable job since taking over at Bayer Leverkusen, dragging the club from the lower reaches of the Bundesliga table and into the Europa League qualification places.
Alonso could very well be the next big thing in management, but a move to Real Madrid may be too much too soon.
3. Jose Mourinho
The manager who holds the third highest win percentage in Real Madrid history, re-hiring Jose Mourinho certainly has his merits.
However, is his stock in the game high enough and his ability to command a modern footballing dressing room impressive enough to get the biggest job in football for a second time?
The answer: probably not.
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4. Antonio Conte
Antonio Conte is probably the highest profile manager on the market right now, and if Real Madrid are looking for a short-term hire who can win La Liga, then he's the perfect man for the job.
His truly woeful European record may prove to be a sticking point for Los Blancos though.
5. Zinedine Zidane
Carlo Ancelotti 2.0.
The last time Zidane replaced Ancelotti at Real Madrid, he went on to win three consecutive UEFA Champions Leagues, and his management style would make this a seamless transition for the dressing room.
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This article was originally published on 90min as The contenders to become Real Madrid manager if Brazil appoint Carlo Ancelotti.
