Record La Liga Champions Real Madrid have identified the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner as their next head coach after parting ways with Xabi Alonso a few days ago.
The Spaniard was dismissed following Real Madrid’s 2-3 loss to Barcelona in the Super Copa Espana, with Alvaro Arbeloa taking over first-team coaching duties for the time being.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid President Florentino Perez is keen on bringing Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, to the Santiago Bernabeu, although after the World Cup.
Perez believes Scaloni’s record is exemplary and speaks for itself: A World Cup title, two Copa America titles, and the Finalissima endorse the title-winning mentality that Los Blancos are known for. In fact, the board believe Scaloni is the right heir to Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti.
It is believed Madrid’s President has already contacted Scaloni about becoming the club’s next coach, although Scaloni’s priority is giving Argentina a perfect showdown in what would be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup campaign. The challenge of managing the biggest club in the world also appeals to the 47-year-old, but that isn’t the full picture.
According to the report, Scaloni would like to start work in Spain alongside Enzo Fernandez. The 24-year-old midfielder moved to Chelsea from Benfica for €121m after a successful World Cup campaign in Qatar.
He’s expected to move this summer for at least €90m, a fee the 15-time UEFA Champions League winners have no problem forking out, as they believe it’ll open up the pathway for younger players to join them.
Madrid believes Enzo will help stabilise their midfield, which already contains Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham. Alongside, Scaloni believes the former Benfica midfielder is the perfect profile for him to execute his philosophy at the Santiago Bernabeu
