Real Madrid have reportedly identified Carlo Ancelotti’s potential replacement, with the candidate spotted at Anfield during their defeat to Liverpool.

Real Madrid are reportedly considering dismissing Carlo Ancelotti and have already identified his potential replacement, according to reports from Spain.

Ancelotti, 65, is under significant pressure despite leading the club to a La Liga and Champions League double just a few months ago. Madrid’s season has started poorly, with the team sitting four points behind Barcelona in the league and facing a serious threat of early elimination from the Champions League. A 2-0 loss to Liverpool on Wednesday has left them 24th in the Champions League standings, having collected only six points from five matches.

Spanish outlets suggest Ancelotti could be replaced if the team’s form does not improve quickly.

Potential Successor

COPE journalist Roberto Morales claims that former Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has been earmarked as a short-term replacement if Ancelotti is dismissed. Solari, a former Madrid midfielder, was seen at Anfield during the loss to Liverpool, adding to speculation.

“Solari is the chosen option if things don’t improve and there’s a major setback in the coming months,” Morales wrote on X. However, he added, “I don’t see Ancelotti being dismissed. His achievements and stature should allow him to see out the season.”

Solari, 48, previously managed Madrid briefly in 2018 after Julen Lopetegui’s dismissal but was let go after less than five months following a Champions League exit to Ajax. His most recent managerial role was with Club America in Mexico, but he was sacked in 2022 after poor results.

Solari could take over on an interim basis while Madrid searches for a long-term successor.

Xabi Alonso Linked to Madrid Job

Xabi Alonso, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, is widely seen as a potential long-term option for Madrid. Reports earlier this month indicated Alonso plans to leave Leverkusen at the end of the season, fueling speculation about a move to the Bernabeu.

Alonso enjoyed a historic season last year, guiding Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and reaching the Europa League final, where they lost to Atalanta. However, the current season has been more challenging, with the team sitting fourth in the Bundesliga.

According to Eurosport Spain, Alonso has already informed several Leverkusen players of his intention to leave, with Madrid being his likely next destination