The Candidates to Replace Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid - Ranked
Just five months after winning La Liga, Zinedine Zidane's reign at Real Madrid could be coming to an end.
The French legend is on the verge of crashing out of the Champions League at the group stages, while currently sitting seven points off the top of the league table following just four wins in their last 11 games in all competitions.
With reports coming out that Real Madrid are considering sacking Zizou, 90min ranks the possible candidates who could take over.
8. Arsene Wenger
During his career at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger was linked constantly with a move to the Bernabeu. He's revealed since leaving the Emirates Stadium that he in fact turned them down on more than one occasion, but could Real try and bring him in again?
He currently has a role as FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development and has mentioned as recently as October that he is unsure if he'd manage a football team again.
Football has moved on from Wenger now, and that includes Real Madrid.
Likelihood Rating: 2/10
7. Maurizio Sarri
A high profile name who's out of a job, Sarri left Juventus in the summer despite being crowned champions of Serie A.
His methods are very meticulous and old school, and he struggled during his time at Chelsea and Juventus to get the top players on side. He tends to stick to his philosophy no matter what and that doesn't really suit at a club as big as Madrid, where simply winning isn't enough.
Suitability Rating: 3/10
6. Thomas Tuchel
Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel has developed a decent reputation, but has struggled to live up to expectations placed on him at Paris Saint-Germain this season.
Despite winning the league every year since joining and reaching the Champions League final last season, it hasn't been so rosy this campaign.
PSG have been iffy in their group and could very well leave the competition in the group stages alongside Madrid, which would almost certainly see him sacked. Madrid could look to move in for the coach who thrives on attacking football but with their obsession also being European success, it would be an odd move to say the least.
Likelihood Rating: 3/10
5. Guti
There's a bit of a trend across Europe right now with hiring inexperienced managers that were once legendary players, which was ironically probably started by Real Madrid hiring Zidane.
Guti has previously been the manager of Madrid's youth team and was most recently manager of second tier Spanish side Almeria, but he was sacked in June for underperforming.
While he might be loved at the Bernabeu, he'd be a stop-gap at absolute best (remember Santiago Solari?).
Likelihood Rating: 4/10
4. Raul
The club's greatest academy product ever, Raul is as big a legend as anyone that has ever worn the famous white jersey of Real Madrid.
He sits in second place behind Cristiano Ronaldo as the club's highest ever goalscorer, and has been relatively successful as a manager in the youth ranks too. He is the current manager of the Castilla team, and last season also filled in as the Under-19's manager, leading them to glory in the UEFA Youth League.
Much like Guti, he'd probably be a better short-term replacement, but he has a bit more success behind him should they fancy taking a chance.
Likelihood Rating: 5/10
3. Julian Nagelsmann
One of the hottest coaching prospects in Europe, Nagelsmann is at that point now where he will be an outside shout for every big job that becomes available.
His attacking style and ability to bring through young players fits well with Madrid's expectations and current squad building, and he likely wouldn't demand too big a wage or severance package.
He took RB Leipzig to the Champions League semi-finals last season and is competing with PSG and Man Utd this year in a tough group, so Madrid could look to tap into his potential in what would prove a shrewd decision.
Likelihood Rating: 7/10
2. Massimiliano Allegri
The most decorated manager on this list and he's without a club.
Allegri left Juventus in the summer of 2019 after winning five consecutive Serie A titles, having also lost two Champions League finals. His style of football isn't the most attractive, which could go against him, but he has proven to be a top manager domestically and in Europe.
Available immediately, a big name and has the adaptability to get the best out of a squad given to him with youth and experience, Allegri is a very good shout for the job.
Likelihood Rating: 8/10
1. Mauricio Pochettino
The obvious choice for the position and the current favourite to get it, Mauricio Pochettino will surely be the one they want.
His attractive style, his availability and his reputation all suit and he is arguably the best fit. He dislikes Barcelona too which will immediately endear him to the fans, and his run to the Champions League final with Tottenham shows he can compete with Europe's best.
He's proven, is ready for a top job and is clearly waiting for a specific project, so Madrid should move in before any of the other underperforming top clubs do.
Likelihood Rating: 10/10