46-year-old Real Madrid icon still in contention to replace Ancelotti in 2024

With Carlo Ancelotti expected to take over the Brazilian national team in 2024, Real Madrid are surveying a number of options to take over the Italian’s role on the bench.

According to Cadena SER (h/t SPORT), Raul Gonzalez has been tipped as a potential successor to Ancelotti, with his excellent work in the Castilla ranks enticing the club officials.

The Royal Whites are steadfastly devoted to the continuity of Raul as the manager of Castilla for next season, despite the fact that they failed to win promotion to La Liga 2, falling in the final against Eldense.

Raul, who is the record-holder for most appearances (741) for Real Madrid, is considered an excellent trainer. And, with Ancelotti expected to move on next year when his contract expires, the Spaniard has favourable odds of fulfilling his dream of managing the first-team.

The report states that there is a faction at Real Madrid that is determined to elevate Raul so that, when Ancelotti’s tenure has concluded, he becomes the head coach of the first team, kickstarting a new era.

Still, they are currently keeping their options open at the Santiago Bernabeu. A bunch of names have emerged with the potential to replace Ancelotti, but no concrete commitment has taken place yet.

Florentino Perez believes that appointing Xabi Alonso would be the best option for the 2024/2025 season. Raul and Zinedine Zidane are the alternatives, though, if circumstances need a change before then.

While Zidane departed Los Blancos on bitter terms during his previous managerial tenure, there are claims that the tense relationship has significantly improved to the point that the Frenchman may potentially return to his former club.