Problems between Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez appear to have degenerated greatly to an extent that the team is rumored to be on the lookout for a potential replacement.
This is where current Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta comes into the picture, having now emerged as a serious contender, reports Tomas Gonzalez-Martin via Remontada Blanca.
Apparently the Los Madridistas supremo, Perez, has expressed he is clearly not enamored of some of Ancelotti’s decisions of late – beginning with the club president not liking the fact that the Italian is not giving enough playing opportunities to the likes of Marco Asensio and Dani Ceballos.
In fact, it’s alleged that Perez has specifically told Ancelotti that the time has come to rely a lot less on the aging duo of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. While his demand bears some semblance of reason, the suggestion interestingly was made by the Los Blancos president days after it was reported that the manager views both the midfielders as the backbone of his project.
Discernibly also, Real Madrid appear to be clearly struggling to keep their nose above the rising waters in the La Liga title race this season, with the team now already nine points behind the league leaders and are also currently trailing in the Copa del Rey semi-final. Both status quo do not augur well for the Los Blancos nor their Italian gaffer.
Should Ancelotti fail in his further endeavors to alter results, it’s quite likely he might be given the sack. And in this eventuality, Madrid are said to be preparing a succession plan with the erstwhile and up-and-coming Gunners’ Spanish boss Mikel Arteta having emerged as a preferred top candidate.
The Spaniard has indubitably brought sparkle to Arsenal’s destiny in a remarkably short period to the extent that they currently lead the Premier League standings by five points. In his three years of managerial career with Arsenal, he has won 97 of 166 games across all competitions, drawing 25 and losing 44.
Arteta has been remarkably successful in building a dynamic, youthful team that is now known for playing an attractive, attacking brand of football which is already winning admiration at all levels – and Real Madrid chiefs are obviously taking note of his achievements.
However, prying him away from the Gunners will be easier said than done, for sure.