According to a report in Spanish outlet Cadena SER, Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi is one of the candidates to become the next Real Madrid manager.
Carlo Ancelotti is going to leave Madrid at the end of this season as he is on his way to becoming the first foreign coach for the Brazilian national team since 1965. The Los Blancos are now actively searching for the heir to their legendary manager and Roberto de Zerbi is one of the names being discussed internally.
Roberto de Zerbi took charge of Brighton and Hove Albion in September of 2022 and in just one year, the 44-year-old has turned the Seagulls into one of the most fluid teams in the whole of England. Under him, Brighton have won 24 out of their 46 matches and given that this is his first truly big managerial gig, De Zerbi has done a wonderful job.
His contract with Brighton expires in 2026 but if a club like Real Madrid come calling it will be very hard for the Seagulls to hold onto him beyond the summer.
Will Roberto de Zerbi become the next Real Madrid manager?
Real Madrid will knock on multiple doors before finalising their next manager so it is not a surprise that De Zerbi’s name is also in the mix.
Brighton are playing in the Europa League this season hence it will be a big loss if they have to part ways with their current manager next summer but we don’t think Real Madrid are serious about signing the 44-year-old.
A lot of names are being floated but as per the major sources, Real Madrid have eyes on Xavi Alonso. The former Los Blancos midfielder is currently managing Bayer Leverkusen in Germany and Perez wants him to take charge once Carlo Ancelotti is gone.
Spanish journalist Matias Prats recently told Radio Marca(h/t Buli News): “The favourite to replace [Carlo] Ancelotti is Xabi Alonso. I have no doubt that he will be their next coach. Real Madrid have chosen Xabi Alonso to coach the team next year.”
Alonso has previously worked with Madrid’s youth team before moving to Sociedad’s B team and then to Bayer and we think, he’s currently the number one candidate to replace Ancelotti.
Roberto de Zerbi has done a wonderful job at Brighton and Hove Albion but the reality is that he is nowhere close to managing a team like Real Madrid.
Before Brighton, De Zerbi managed teams like Shakhtar, Sassuolo and Benevento and he’s also just 46 games old at the Amex Stadium. This is his second season in England and how the Seagulls finish this campaign will be the real test for their manager. They have started in fine fashion but with European football in the mix, it will be interesting to see if they can once again grab a top-six position on the Premier League table.
A Madrid manager not only has the pressure of winning silverware each and every season but he also has to tackle colossal egos inside the dressing room. Given proper backup and time, De Zerbi might still be able to win trophies because he’s a great tactical manager but managing players like Vinicius, Bellingham and possibly the incoming Mbbape, will take a lot of experience and authority.
Xavi is much more suited for the job and until someone like Jurgen Klopp or Zidane becomes available, the former Spanish midfielder is in line to become the next Real Madrid manager.
