Real Madrid picked an experienced former coach instead of another former player to try to put the team back on track after a disappointing season.
Madrid hired Carlo Ancelotti on Tuesday to replace Zinedine Zidane, who quit last week after the team’s first trophyless season in more than a decade. Many expected the job to go to former Madrid great Raúl González, who like Zidane had been coaching the team’s “B” squad before taking over the main squad.
“While I have enjoyed being at Everton, I have been presented with an unexpected opportunity which I believe is the right move for me and my family at this time,” Ancelotti said in a statement on Everton’s website.
Ancelotti is Madrid’s coach with the most wins in his first 100 competitive games at the helm of the Spanish powerhouse, with 78. His other titles with Madrid came in the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup and FIFA's Club World Cup.
“The Italian returns to our club after rewriting the history books during his first spell in the Real Madrid hot seat,” Madrid said in a statement. “The new coach boasts vast experience and an impressive trophy haul.”
He will take over a squad that was marred by injuries this season. It was unclear if some key players will return, including Sergio Ramos. There’s also uncertainty about whether players like Gareth Bale will be back after being away on loan. Big signings are not expected as the club continues to struggle financially.
Ancelotti joined Everton in December 2019, taking over from Marco Silva. The club finished 12th in the Premier League last year, before a 10th-place finish in Ancelotti’s only full season in charge.
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