Real Madrid could turn to ex-manager as interim Ancelotti replacement for Club World Cup | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti’s future at Real Madrid now hangs by a thread following their UEFA Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal at the quarter-final stage.

In fact, reports today suggested that the Italian could move on as early as the end of the month soon after the Copa del Rey against Barcelona on April 26.

Even if that does not turn out to be the case, there is a big possibility that Ancelotti might not be in charge of the team in the summer when Real Madrid travel to the USA for the FIFA Club World Cup.

Santiago Solari could step in as interim manager

As such, SPORT now reports that Santiago Solari could step in as Real Madrid’s interim manager should Ancelotti be dismissed ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in mid-June in the United States.

Currently serving as the club’s Director of Football, Solari would be tasked with preparing the team for the tournament if Ancelotti’s departure is confirmed following the end of the La Liga season, scheduled to conclude between 24 and 25 May.

On his way out. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Real Madrid are set to debut in the Club World Cup on 18 June against Saudi side Al Hilal, meaning Solari would have around 24 to 25 days to work with the squad before their opening match.

However, one complication is the international break immediately after La Liga ends, during which a significant portion of the squad will be away with their national teams.

Still, Solari’s familiarity with the squad and the club’s structure would ease the transition and allow him to hit the ground running.

This would not be his first experience in the role. In October 2018, Solari stepped in after Julen Lopetegui was sacked, although his time in charge was short-lived.

He was dismissed on 11 March 2019 after a disastrous week: elimination by Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, another El Clasico defeat in La Liga, and a shock Champions League exit against Ajax.

Should he be appointed, Solari would lead the team until a permanent manager is found, although there is still a possibility the club secures a new coach before the Club World Cup begins, meaning he may not even take charge of a match.