The topic of Carlo Ancelotti’s departure from Real Madrid has gathered steam in recent weeks.
The Italian tactician has seen no dearth of silverware during his second stint at the club, yet, the astronomical standards bring even a mild slump in form under intense scrutiny.
A broader perspective, however, reveals that Real Madrid’s problems have displayed premonitory signs for a long time now.
The European Champions have always had their weak spots and holes but managed to cover them up more often than not through individual brilliance. The team’s run in the Champions League last season is the best such example.
A run of three winless games has now put Ancelotti under unprecedented pressure. With the league slipping out of their hands and the home defeat in the Cup semifinal, his presence on the sidelines next season is far from guaranteed.
And, according to reports from Gary Jacob of The Times, Thomas Tuchel is learning Spanish to target the managerial job at Real Madrid.
The German manager last managed Chelsea and even took the London-based side to a UEFA Champions League title during his time at the club. Poor form in the league cost him his job and he was shown the doors in September 2022.
A vastly experienced manager, Tuchel had stints at high-profile clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain before enjoying success at Chelsea, although he did not last long after the change in ownership at Stamford Bridge last year.
Tuchel averages close to two points per game from 2008, with his career high of 2.35 points per game coming at his stint with PSG. He has tasted victory in 58% of his encounters so far with losses occupying 24%.
The former Chelsea manager is the latest in a long list of potential replacements if Ancelotti departs in the summer. Raul Gonzalez, Mikel Arteta, and Mauricio Pochettino are just some of the other names on the table. Needless to say, a lot will depend on Los Blancos’ performance and result in the UEFA Champions League.