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5 possible replacements for Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid

By Harry De Cosemo

MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 02: Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane emerges form the tunnel for the start of the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and SD Eibar at estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 2, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 02: Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane emerges form the tunnel for the start of the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and SD Eibar at estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 2, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 01: Aitor Karanka, Manager of Middlesbrough looks on during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Middlesbrough at London Stadium on October 1, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 01: Aitor Karanka, Manager of Middlesbrough looks on during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Middlesbrough at London Stadium on October 1, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /

3. Aitor Karanka

Something of a left-fielded option, Karanka is a former Real player and coach, having worked as Mourinho’s assistant between 2010 and 2013.

Similar to his mentor in his footballing ideologies as he continues his work in England at Middlesbrough, Karanka could perhaps be a little cautious for the job, but he is no where near as volatile as Mourinho, and understands what it takes to work for such a big institution.

Of course, there are huge differences between Real Madrid and the Riverside, but Karanka has worked wonders on Teesside, taking Boro from the brink of Championship relegation to the Premier League in under three years.

Karanka has the kind of mentality to succeed wherever he goes, and he is a quick learner who knows exactly what he wants. Florentino Perez should consider a change of attitude, and what better way to do so than bringing the former defender back one day?

His playing career never lived up to much, but he is taking to coaching like a duck to water. Perhaps now comes a little too soon for him, but he is more qualified than Zidane was and will only improve. Don’t count him out at some point in future.

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