Real Madrid president Florentino Perez prefers Joachim Low to Mauricio Pochettino to replace Zinedine Zidane at end of season
With La Liga gone and Copa del Rey elimination at hands of lowly Leganes, change in Bernabeu hotseat seems inevitable
REAL MADRID president Florentino Perez wants Joachim Low to replace Zinedine Zidane at the end of the season, according to reports in Spain.
With their La Liga defence in tatters and another disappointing elimination from the Copa del Rey, a change of manager is inevitable.
Terms such as "transition" don't exist at the Bernabeu — and the fact Zidane became the first manager to win back-to-back titles in the Champions League era will matter little in Perez's eyes.
There are several candidates to choose from — with Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri also in the mix.
But Mundo Deportivo claim Low is the Real Madrid president's preferred choice.
Perez is impressed at how Jurgen Klinsmann's former assistant revolutionised the German national side — and wants him to do the same with Los Blancos.
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However, the World Cup could pose some issues. Regardless of how Germany fare, Low is expected to leave his post — but, after such a long time as manager, he may want a break from football.
But Real Madrid will need a manager ready to invest a lot of mental energy with plenty of work needed.
KISS CRIS GOODBYE Zinedine Zidane needs to drop Cristiano Ronaldo and put more faith in his squad to turn things around at Real Madrid
The futures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema up in the air, and they are looking to revolutionise the entire frontline.
Sarri and Mauricio Pochettino are also in the frame to take up the role in the summer, but Low would have the support of Perez.
Candidates to replace Zidane
Joachim Low
GERMANY boss has shown he can make wholesale changes on a big stage — and achieve success.
May not be willing to take on a job which would require so much mental investment after 12 years in same role.
Mauricio Pochettino
SHOWN at Tottenham he can get the best out of young players, and knows La Liga, having managed Espanyol.
Is yet to win a major trophy — and faces a major fight just to finish in the Champions League places this season.
Maurizio Sarri
DEPLOYS one of the most exciting brands of football in Europe and could be willing to leave San Paolo should he deliver the Scudetto this season.
Despite his attacking style, there have been question marks over his side's mentality and has a poor record in Champions League.
Guti
FORMER player, who is impressing as youth team manager — would follow the same path as Zidane.
With so much work needed, however, Florentino Perez would move for someone with more experience.
Jurgen Klopp
HAS been a target for Perez since the Champions League semi-final mauling in 2013, and is one of the most recognised managers around.
Appears tied to Liverpool and would be very expensive — when there will already be serious financial investment on playing staff required.