Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is close to sealing an emphatic return to former club Real Madrid, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian boss was the manager at the Bernabeu between 2013 and 2015 and is the club’s first-choice to replace Zinedine Zidane.
Carlo Ancelotti to Make Real Madrid Return
How Did He Do Last Time in Madrid?
Ancelotti had a mixed spell during his first two years in the Spanish capital. Although he guided them to the Champions League trophy in his first season, the Italian failed to win the La Liga title during his time in the hot seat, losing out to Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
However, Los Blancos supporters will be hoping to see an instant return of success to their side of the capital after a season without a trophy, the first time since the 2009/10 season.
Real Madrid are a much different outfit to the one previously managed by Ancelotti. The last remains of the ‘old guard’ are now petering out, meaning that the club are very much in a stage of transition.
Despite the transition, as mentioned, the demands of success will not alter. The Italian will be required to win back the La Liga title that they lost to their city rivals this season at the very least.
A Huge Blow for Everton
The news will come as a huge blow for Everton, who saw the Italian has the perfect manager to lead them back to Europe.
Ancelotti lasted 18 months, finishing 10th in his only full season with the club. Although there has been success at times – most notably a 2-0 away win at Liverpool for the first time since 1999 – they have let themselves down at times.
Their home form has been particularly appalling and ultimately the barrier to their success – they lost nine times at Goodison Park in the Premier League.
However, the Italian still had the backing of the board and the fans at Goodison Park to lead them back to Europe, so him leaving will viewed as a huge blow.
According to The Telegraph, former manager David Moyes is one of the contenders to take over from Ancelotti at Goodison Park. The current West Ham United boss left the Toffees to join Manchester United in 2013, but he failed to live up to the hype at Old Trafford and has only recently been able to rejuvenate his career with the Hammers, having led them to the Europa League himself this season.
Furthermore, the Telegraph reports suggests that Nuno Espirito Santo and Eddie Howe are also in the frame. Both are currently out of work, with the latter having taken a year out from management following his departure from Bournemouth.
Santo could be an ideal fit and would offer recent European experience, having led Wolves to the quarter-finals of the Europa League in the 2019/20 season. The Portuguese boss endured a tough season with the Molineux-based side and, ultimately, it led to a parting of ways between the two parties.
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