La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid have reportedly added Lionel Scaloni to the shortlist of candidates to replace Carlo Ancelotti.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Lionel Scaloni is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Merengues are compiling a shortlist of managers to replace Carlo Ancelotti if he leaves this year. The 45-year-old World Cup-winning coach has thus emerged as their latest managerial target.
Lionel Scaloni largely went under the radar during his professional career as a footballer. While the Argentine, a versatile right-sided player, won the La Liga title with Deportivo La Coruna and enjoyed an eight-year stint with the Spanish club, that was his peak at the club level. Meanwhile, he could not enjoy a fruitful time on the international stage, making only seven appearances for his national team.
But the 45-year-old has enjoyed a memorable time since stepping into the managerial world. Scaloni served Sevilla and Argentina as their assistant manager before taking charge as the head coach for La Albiceleste. He initially started as a caretaker manager for Argentina after Jorge Sampaoli’s ill-fated stint ended.
But after a strong start to life as Argentina’s caretaker boss, the federation appointed him as the head coach. The decision has paid off handsomely, with Scaloni guiding La Albiceleste to the Copa America and the FIFA World Cup in the last two years. But he might not continue in the position for much longer after recently hinting that he might explore new avenues. Such a situation has alerted Real Madrid.
The Merengues are scouring the market for their next manager amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Carlo Ancelotti. While the Italian tactician has Florentino Perez’s backing, he is considering becoming Brazil’s next head coach. So, it behoves Real Madrid to compile a shortlist of managers.
Several candidates, including Roberto De Zerbi, have thus emerged on Real Madrid’s radar. But Scaloni is also a viable target, considering his trophy-winning pedigree. While the 45-year-old World Cup-winning coach has yet to take charge of a team at the club level, he has the potential to succeed.
Scaloni has already managed one of the best players of all time and should settle into a dressing room with big egos. With man management being his strength, he should suit the Real Madrid job. It will be interesting to see what the future has in store for the World Cup winner.
