3 Managers Real Madrid could turn to after Julen Lopetegui

2. Leonardo Jardim

Jardim could be on his way to Madrid

Jardim was sacked in October by AS Monaco after he left the club perilously close to the relegation zone. However, those waiting with their knives to massacre his reputation need to wait as the Portuguese coach was simply sensational in his first three years in charge.

The Portuguese worked a charm for AS Monaco and re-established them as a genuine superpower again. He developed the likes of Fabinho, Mendy, Bernardo Silva, Lemar and Mbappe into world-beaters. With the mentioned core of youngsters at his disposal, he led Monaco to an unprecedented league triumph in 2016-17, out-gunning their much wealthier Parisian rivals.

Jardim has an inclination to play an attacking and attractive brand of football. His Monaco side enthralled audiences with their bravery and skill on the ball. With Real Madrid seemingly lacking a direction currently, adopting his attacking philosophy might just be the right decision moving forward.

Additionally, his ability to nurture young talents would also sit well with Madrid’s new emphasis on youth.

Despite being only 44, Jardim is highly experienced having managed a host of European clubs. His age could also play into his hands as he would represent a slightly better longer-term option than Antonio Conte. Moreover, Perez craves his team to play expansive football and in Jardim, he may have just stumbled upon his ideal manager.

I would personally prefer Jardim over Conte but what goes on in Perez’s head is as difficult to decipher as a triple-layered encryption code. For now, all we can do is wait for Perez to show his hand.