Real Madrid ‘identify Roberto De Zerbi’ as surprise Carlo Ancelotti replacement

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Real Madrid have reportedly identified Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi as a potential candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season. The ex-Everton boss is set to leave the Santiago Bernabeu in 2024 after it was announced that he will become Brazil’s head coach when the 2023/24 campaign concludes.

Ancelotti has delivered plenty of success at Madrid, and thus the higher powers at the club have a tough task in finding a suitable replacement that can hit the ground running in La Liga.

The Italian has hinted that he hopes that a former Madrid star would be in the frame to succeed him in the dugout, but club officials reportedly do not have their heart set on a certain candidate yet and therefore have shortlisted several different options that can be pursued at a later date.

According to Spanish news outlet Cadena SER, Brighton boss De Zerbi is believed to be on the list after his sensational 12 months at the Amex Stadium. The Italian took over from Graham Potter early last season and led the Seagulls to their first European finish in history, with their style of play earning plaudits around the world.

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Brighton have kickstarted the new campaign in equally impressive fashion with five wins in their opening six matches, prompting some to feel that De Zerbi’s side are capable of disrupting the traditional ‘Big Six’ further by finishing in the Champions League places.

Madrid have been impressed by how the 44-year-old has transformed his side into a free-scoring team and feel that he is a viable candidate to replace Ancelotti, though he is not the likeliest successor at this stage. Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is the most admired target among Los Blancos chiefs after guiding his side to an unbeaten start to the Bundesliga season.

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The Spaniard signed a new deal with Leverkusen earlier this year after he was linked with a move to Tottenham, though the lure of returning to the Santiago Bernabeu could prove persuasive having spent five years with Madrid as a player. Alvaro Arbeloa and Raul have also been linked with the future vacancy, though they are unlikely to truly be in the frame given their lack of proven credentials.

Asked about the trio earlier this week, Ancelotti said: “Look, I’ve had Alonso, as a player. His knowledge of football is top-level. He’s doing great with Bayer Leverkusen because he does these readings. This ability, I wish him as well as Arbeloa and Raul, I really wish [for] them to coach at Real Madrid one day.”

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