MAURICIO POCHETTINO is a leading contender to become Real Madrid's next permanent manager.
That's according to bookmakers Betfair, who've priced the Argentine tactician at 4/1 to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.
BETFAIR: GET £30 IN FREE BETS*
But there's no lack of competition in the betting markets with Raul, Xabi Alonso and Thomas Tuchel all available at single-figure prices.
Zinedine Zidane is also considered an option to take charge of a third spell with the Spanish heavyweights.
Arsenal's Mikel Arteta features in Betfair's candidates, along with Antonio Conte, Erik ten Hag, Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp.
Carlo Ancelotti is looking less and less likely to fulfil his contract, which expires in June 2024.
The Italian, 63, guided Madrid to Champions League and LaLiga glory last season but pressure is mounting with the club now 12 points behind Barcelona in the title race.
Real Madrid could also knocked out of the Copa del Rey, after losing 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final tie against Barcelona.
That would leave the Champions League as Ancelotti's only chance of silverware.
Real Madrid next manager
Betfair odds
- Raul – 10/3
- Mauricio Pochettino – 4/1
- Xabi Alonso – 5/1
- Thomas Tuchel – 15/2
- Zinedine Zidane – 10/1
- Mikel Arteta – 14/1
- Julen Lopetegui – 20/1
- Antonio Conte – 20/1
- Didier Deschamps – 20/1
- Erik ten Hag – 25/1
- Julian Nagelsmann – 25/1
- Jose Mourinho – 25/1
- Jurgen Klopp – 25/1
Think YOU know who will be Real Madrid's next permanent manager? Register an account with Betfair today and stake a tenner and you'll be rewarded with £30 in free bets!
BETFAIR: GET £30 IN FREE BETS*
However, winning the competition would require Real to beat Premier League Chelsea in the quarter-finals, followed by either Manchester City or Bayern Munich in the final four.
Furthermore, Ancelotti is now odds-on 1/3 to become Brazil's next manager and replace Tito, who paid the price for a disappointing quarter-final exit in Qatar.
If Ancelotti were to leave, Raul is the frontrunner at 10/3.
The 45-year-old has impressed in his current role with the reserve team, and is a club legend having scored 323 goals and won six league titles during his 16-year stay.
Free agent Pochettino is a close second at 4/1.
It could be third-time lucky for Real Madrid, who've tried and failed twice to lure Pochettino to the Bernabeu. However, they are likely to find themselves in a battle with Tottenham for his signature.
Xabi Alonso and Thomas Tuchel follow next at 5/1 and 15/2 respectively, ahead of Zinedine Zidane at 10/1.
Mikel Arteta is offered at 14/1 to leave his league leaders, while Antonio Conte, Didier Deschamps, Erik ten Hag, Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp are priced between 20-25/1.
BETFAIR: GET £30 IN FREE BETS*
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
FOOTBALL OFFERS
Get the best free bet sign up offers for March including bet £10 get £30
How to get free bets on football – the best bookies to claim rewards and bonuses
Bonus: Get £30 in FREE BETS when you stake £10 with Sky Bet -18+ T&Cs apply
Betting offers for existing customers get the best odds and promotions in March 2023
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
*Place a min £10 bet on the Sportsbook on odds of min 1/2 (1.5), get £30 in Free Bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly 18+ begambleaware.org
Source: Read Full Article