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The summer of 2018 was a time of monumental change for Real Madrid with Zinedine Zidane departing the Bernabeu in search of a new adventure and a much-needed break from management. The Frenchman's successor came in the form of former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui, who even jeopardised his national side's chances by swapping La Roja for Los Blancos only a matter of days before the start of the 2018 World Cup.
Zidane would prove a tough act to follow for any manager given his three successive Champions League triumphs and one LaLiga title during his two and a half seasons at the helm.
Any incoming manager should ideally be given patience, the owner's financial backing and the unwavering support of the fans. Fiorentino Perez, however, is as ruthless as owners come, with the Spaniard sparing no thought for reputations, egos or past successes.
Lopetegui's start, however, proved nothing short of a nightmare, with Real still on fourteen points after the 5-1 hiding against Barcelona. With just over a quarter of the season gone, Perez decided to relieve the 52-year-old of his managerial duties and look for somebody to steady the ship. Here are three candidates for the Real Madrid job.
#1 Antonio Conte
The charismatic and lively Italian, Antonio Conte, would bring some energy and enthusiasm to a club feeling rather underwhelmed after their historic successes in recent years. Conte took over a Chelsea team in a near-identical position to the one faced by the Madrid side, with the players demotivated, devoid of confidence and disinterested in life at the club.
With a different formation and an injection of life, Conte took the London club from mid-table to the Premier League's summit, with the Italian following that up with an FA Cup triumph during the following season. The former Juventus manager, however, does prioritise defensive solidity, with his characteristic 3-5-2 formation key to his team's ability to keep teams out.
The Los Blancos faithful are some of the most demanding fans in the world and expect players to thrill and entertain as well as securing the necessary results. Conte's defensive style may prove a sticking point for some of the Madrid faithful given the attacking artillery available to the manager.
#2 Mauricio Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino has worked wonders with Tottenham during his time in charge, with the former Southampton manager turning Spurs from a top-six side to genuine title contenders. Pochettino has been able to cast his magic over Tottenham despite the reconstruction of White Hart Lane and their lack of financial muscle.
The Argentinian also fits the mould of the modern manager, with the 46-year-old looking to play on the front foot and in advanced areas of the pitch. Mauricio is familiar with LaLiga from his time in charge of Espanyol and will not need time to adapt to the league. Real Madrid, above all else, demand Champions League and LaLiga titles as part of the remit for any manager.
Pochettino is without any career silverware, with his team always disappointing in the latter stages of tournaments and Premier League campaigns. This summer looked like the first time Mauricio questioned Daniel Levy's policy and ambitions for the club long-term. The prospect of Real Madrid is difficult to ignore and it would not surprise anybody if Mauricio were to manage in Spain again.
#3 Arsene Wenger
Arsene Wenger would be an unexpected replacement for Lopetegui, given the other candidates available to Real Madrid and the problems faced by Arsenal towards the end of Wenger's reign. The Frenchman's success during the first half of his time in London was nothing short of remarkable, with the 2004 Invincibles team regarded as one of the all-time great club sides.
Wenger brought a new attacking mindset to the Premier League, with the Frenchman always two steps ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United.
Part of the reason why Wenger's tenure came to an end involved the amount of power he had at the club. Arsene was in charge of the starting eleven as well as any transfer dealings. Stan Kroenke, however, decided not to give Arsene the sack despite his shortcomings in the league and cup competitions because of the financial benefits he brought in.
Fiorentino Perez will not give the former Monaco manager any such liberties, which would force Wenger to give his absolute maximum for the club. Although his reputation and attacking style would win over the hearts of the Madrid fans, he will need to adapt to ensure his team also defends well.
