Real Madrid reluctant to fire Carlo Ancelotti because of problems with the three alternatives

Real Madrid is once again sweating on the form of the team, after their fifth defeat of the season at Athletic Club. Carlo Ancelotti he had a brief respite after three straight league wins, but losses to Liverpool and Athletic Club again put his future in question.

Los Blancos rarely tend to replace managers during the season, but they already know their three immediate alternatives if they had to do it: Raul GonzalezSantiago Solari or Zinedine Zidane. However Chain SER say there is a reluctance to see any of them in charge due to problems with all three, which should strengthen Ancelotti's job security.

They are already planning for the arrival of Xabi Alonso in 2025, and Zidane will not accept a return to a short-term contract until the end of the season. The Solari Sports Director could take the temporary reign, as he did without success in 2018, but that would make it clear to the team that it was a short-term fix, and that Alonso would be coming. So you run the risk of seeing players drop their level for a long spell until the end of the season.

The final alternative is Castilla manager Raul. He has been patient in the role, and is currently in his sixth season managing the club's academy talents, but the club fear he could be doing too well in the role. Given his popularity with the Real Madrid fanbase, if he were to succeed, it could be difficult to remove him and appoint Alonso.

It has recently been denied that Alonso has made up his mind about his future, but it is widely expected in Spain and Germany that the Bayer Leverkusen manager will be in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu next season. He is out of contract next summer, and there is no talk of a new deal.