FC Porto manager Julen Lopetegui denies any interest in replacing Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti

Julen Lopetegui
FC Porto manager Julen Lopetegui

Porto manager Julen Lopetegui is reported to be on Real Madrid’s radar as an able replacement for current manager Carlo Ancelotti if the Champions League winners are to finish the season without a silverware.

Having led Real Madrid to their 10th Champions League title last season and with the team still on track to defend their European Crown, the Italian’s time at the Bernebau could turn real hard if he fails to win either of the European title or La Liga, which currently looks at the grasp of fellow rivals Barcelona who are two points ahead.

However, despite the strong rumours linking Lopetegui to the Santiago Bernabeu, the Spaniard has ruled out of any interest in taking up the managerial role for the Los Blancos.

Julen Lopetegui, after leading his troops to a 3-1 win in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals over the German giants Bayern Munich, was hailed as the perfect candidate by the Spanish media who could replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernebau.

The 48-year-old, however, didn’t seem like interested to any of such rumours, saying he is happy at the Estadio do Dragao.

"There is no interest in that," he told in a press conference when asked about the rumours, relating him to Madrid. "I'm very happy to be coach of FC Porto. I feel very happy to be heading a three-year project. I'm at a great team.”

Lopetegui is a former Real Madrid player but had represented the first team on only one occasion before moving on to Logroñés. He had made a comeback to Real Madrid as the head coach of their B-team, Castilla back in 2008 for a season.

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