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Real Madrid have identified Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi as a top candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti next summer, according to reports.<\/p>\n
Los Blancos have been on the hunt for a new head coach following the announcement that Ancelotti will ending his second spell with the La Liga giants at the end of the season.<\/p>\n
The former Chelsea and Everton boss is set to takeover the Brazil national team next June, just a few weeks before the start of the 2024 Copa America.<\/p>\n
Ancelotti has said that he would like to see a former Real star take the reins at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Xabi Alonso the name most closely linked with the job.<\/p>\n
The Liverpool and Real legend began his managerial career just last year with Bayer Leverkusen and has impressed so far, recently signing a new long-term contract with the Bundesliga side.<\/p>\n
But according to Spanish outlet Cadena, there is another name high on Real\u2019s shortlist: De Zerbi.<\/p>\n
The Italian joined Brighton early into last season following Graham Potter\u2019s ill-fated move to Chelsea, and has very quickly established himself as one of the Premier League\u2019s best and most exciting managers.<\/p>\n
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He guided the Seagulls to the FA Cup semi-finals and a sixth-place finish, qualifying the club for European competition for the first time in its history.<\/p>\n
Despite losing many of their best players over the summer, including Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister, Brighton have continued their fine form in 2023\/24, with the side third in the table after five wins in six matches.<\/p>\n
De Zerbi, who previously managed Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk, currently has a contract at the Amex until 2026.<\/p>\n
While the selection process is still in it\u2019s early phases, Real greatly admire the 44-year-old, especially for the way his side play free-flowing, attacking football, and view him as a viable candidate alongside the likes of Alonso and fellow club legends Raul and Alvaro Arbeloa.<\/p>\n
Ancelotti will of course be a hard act to follow, having won many trophies with Los Blancos over his two spells, including the La Liga title and two Champions Leagues.<\/p>\n
For now, De Zerbi is preparing Brighton for Wednesday night\u2019s Carabao Cup clash at Chelsea, which will be followed by a league meeting at Aston Villa, which, if results align, could send the club to the top of the table.<\/p>\n