The 5 candidates for the Madrid job

Blancos President Florentino Perez has confirmed the Portuguese coach is set to end his three-year spell in La Liga following a trophy-less season in the capital.

Real Madrid being one of the biggest clubs in the La Liga, we look at the possible replacement for one of the most demanding jobs in sports world.

1. Carlo Ancelotti: Although PSG have indicated that they want to maintain the Italian’s services, there is little doubt that the mystique of Madrid might ultimately dictate that the decorated former AC Milan boss swaps the French capital for its Spanish counterpart. But there is a stumbling block on the way, Ancelotti still has his contract till 2014 summer and PSG are reluctant to part ways unless there is a monetary gain.

During Ancelotti’s first full season at the club, PSG entered the winter break at the top of the Ligue 1 table ahead of Lyon and Marseille on goal difference. They clinched the Ligue 1 title this year with two matches to spare. The club also reached the quarter-final of the Champions League, eventually losing to Barcelona on the away goals rule (3–3 on aggregate).

Carlo’s PSG Record:-

2. Jupp Heynckes: The veteran coach will step down from his current position of being in charge of Die Roten after the Champions League final at Wembley. Heynckes has managed Madrid in the past and tasted European glory with them but if Ancelotti deal fails to prosper then it is possible to see the former Madrid manager to again be on the hot seat of the Bernabeu.

May 25 is the date of the Champions League final, when Bayern will hope to complete the second part of their treble bid with victory over Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. A week later, on June 1, Heynckes’ last match at the Bayern helm will come against Stuttgart in the final of the DFB-Pokal.

Jupp’s Bayern Record:-

3. Rafael Benitez: The former Liverpool and Valencia boss Rafael Benitez has done well to guide Chelsea to success at the Europa League final and keep them at third place in the Premier League. As the report suggests Jose Mourinho is heading towards Chelsea so there is a possibility that the former Champions League winner will join Real Madrid if they come calling.

Benitez is open to a return to Italy with Napoli – having managed Inter Milan previously but with Jose Mourinho’s departure confirmed and Carlo Ancelotti’s situation at PSG complicated more options could arise.

Rafa’s Chelsea Record:-

4. Michael Laudrup: A former player preferably is always going to be a popular choice to roam the touchline at the Bernabeu and there are few more fondly remembered on the Paseo de la Castellana than the Danish genius. At Getafe and Mallorca, Laudrup worked wonders with limited resources. He is doing the same thing at Swansea, one of the most entertaining teams in the Premier League. Imagine what he could do with Real.

Laudrup’s Swansea Record:-

5. Andre Villas-Boas: A bit of a wildcard, but Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas’ name has come up as a possible replacement for Mourinho. The Portuguese tactician worked under his fellow countryman at Chelsea and Inter Milan before venturing into management himself. Although not yet as successful as the original ‘special one’, the young coach is tipped for a great future in the game and could certainly be a long-term solution to Real’s problems.

AVB’s managerial record:-

Should Real go for a safe pair of hands able to man-manage the most expensive collection of stars in world football? Or opt for a complete revolution in the coaching hierarchy at a club famous for chewing the men in tracksuits and spitting them like a rancid slice of chorizo? With the Presidential election fast approaching the LOS BLACOS chairman needs to quickly present the Bernabeu faithfuls and the team their new gaffer.