5 managers who can replace Zidane at Real Madrid

Real Madrid have struggled this season, and while Zinedine Zidane has been at the helm for arguably their most successful run in the recent past, his tactical creativity has always had question marks.

Playing with a weaker squad and lack of any real direction this season has seen Real slump to fourth place - well out of touch from Barcelona at the top and closer to the relegation zone than to the top of the table.

Zidane's position has come under threat, and come the summer, Florentino Perez might have numerous coaches to choose from.

Here's the top 5, who could take over at the Bernabeu next summer.

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#5 Mauricio Pochettino

Florentino Perez has been a fan of Pochettino since Pochettino was at Espanyol. While he had been laying his seeds down at Espanyol and then Southampton, Perez's tracking of Pochettino flew under the radar, until he was a big enough name to take over at Real.

That time is now.

The way Spurs played at the Bernabeu and then ripped Real apart back at Wembley made many sit up and notice. None more so than Perez.

His history with the 'Spanish' club of Barcelona, Espanyol, will work in his favour with the Madrid fans. Add to the fact that he can manage players around very well and gets his team playing fast paced, frantic football - exactly what the Madridistas demand - all help his stock rise.

If Spurs lose their best players again this summer, Pochettino could be on his way out in search for bigger and better things.

#4 Marcelino Garcia

Marcelino has brought Valencia up from the brink to genuine European contenders again

It wasn't too long ago that Valencia CF were in turmoil, languishing in the bottom half of the table with a merry go round of managerial appointments, a lack of distinctive playing style and a fan base that seemed to have had enough.

Fast forward to today and all that has changed. Before the turn of the year, Valencia were the closest team to Barcelona at the top of the table, and while they have fallen away a bit since then, they are still in 3rd place, 6 points ahead of Real Madrid.

Marcelino has got Valencia playing swashbuckling, fast paced, counter-attacking football, all of which suits Madrid's style. Marcelino has managed to use the youth peppered in his squad and release the potential of players like Rodrigo Moreno and Santi Mina - both of whom had underwhelmed outings in the previous seasons - and has taken the formerly ragged and disjointed team to propel them into the limelight.

With Madrid having the likes of Ceballos, Asensio, Isco and numerous other Spanish youth internationals, Marcelino might be the exact manager they need to continue their progress.

#3 Joachim Low

Low has been pursued by a number of clubs for many years now

Joachim Low is a rare breed of manager who has undoubted qualities as a leader, and yet hasn't bothered to swim in with club football...yet.

Having already turned down a number of big jobs in the past (including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich) due to his national team commitments, this summer might just be that time when he moves right in.

Should Zidane leave and Germany retain the World Cup, Low might feel that his time with the national team should come to an end at this juncture.

Real would be wise to swoop for him before the other vultures get their share.

#2 Antonio Conte

Conte is most likely on his way out of Chelsea this summer

Antonio Conte is a passionate man who leaves everything on the field. What he lacks in poise and grace, he makes up in raw energy and fire.

Despite many Madridistas not being huge fans of him, Conte could be exactly what Real need. A manager who comes in, shakes everyone in the squad up, and doesn't take any bullsh*** from his players (ask Diego Costa).

Despite flying to the title with Chelsea last season, Conte has faced many problems with the board not going after the players he wants. With Madrid's vast resources, it's unlikely that he will have that problem there.

His track record of winning everywhere is a plus in his list, and the Italian should be a serious candidate in taking over.

#1 Massimiliano Allegri

Allegri would be a perfect fit for Real

Max Allegri's work at Juventus isn't given the credit it deserves. Working with a squad that is taken apart and rebuilt almost every summer, Allegri manages to keep his team competitive on every front.

Managing the egos of big players is no problem for him, having worked with Dani Alves, Patrice Evra, and now Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala. Getting the best out of his squad at Juventus has been a bit of a cake walk. Imagine what he could do with a squad like Real Madrid.

Florentino Perez is probably picturing it. Juventus, while still one of the best teams in Europe, do not have the finances to compete with the likes of Man City and PSG. Real do. Allegri will mesh into the club, much the same way Valverde has with Barcelona. His unassuming character means he will just carry on with his work without press battles, and let his team's performances to the talking.

With Allegri looking increasingly likely to leave this summer, the stars could just be aligning in Madrid.