Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez is now the favourite to replace Carlo Ancelotti as manager of the club, with Leeds United missing out on appointing the 45-year-old earlier this year.
According to AS, the Spanish footballing icon is the early favourite to take over at Los Blancos when Ancelotti leaves the club, with the Italian’s contract due to expire in 2024 as Madrid look to once again make an internal hire for the manager position.
AS has previously reported that Leeds were keen to appoint Raul following the sacking of Jesse Marsch in February, though the Real Madrid Castilla head coach rejected the approach, a decision that now looks to have been worth it following the proceeding weeks.
Madrid have always considered Raul as a potential manager for the senior team given his legendary status at the club as well as his impressive record as boss of the youth team, with his side currently sitting fourth in Spain’s third tier, just four points off the top spot.
Indeed, it’s no wonder why Leedis were keen to appoint Raul before setting on Javi Gracia, with Madrid officials impressed by the Spaniard’s leadership skills and charisma as per AS, which is why the former striker is now a favourite to replace Ancelotti at Real.
As for Leeds, they can hardly blame Raul for rejecting a move to Yorkshire when a job as big as Madrid was always in the pipeline, a reality that could now become true if Ancelotti announces his intention to leave the Spanish capital when his contract expires next year.
Real Madrid are playing it smart by appointing Raul
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Madrid caught lightning the last time they turned to a Castilla head coach to become their new senior manager in Zinedine Zidane, and many factors seem to indicate that Leeds target Raul could replicate the Frenchman’s success if given the role to succeed Ancelotti.
As we know, Raul is a legend at Madrid and one of the club’s greatest-ever players, and the former attacker would be a very popular appointment for next year, with Leeds now seemingly standing no chance of ever appointing the Spanish coach in the years to come.
