5. Mauricio Pochettino
Last, but not least, is perhaps the best option on the list for Real Madrid. The Tottenham boss is proving himself to be one of the best in Europe, taking the North London side from struggling to reach the Champions League to the brink of the Premier League title since taking over in 2014.
Perez is said to be a huge fan of the Argentine, who honed a philosophy based around possession and high pressure during previous stints at Espanyol and Southampton, and if the president truly wants to think long-term, he should look no further.
Relations between Real Madrid and Spurs have developed since the deals for Luka Modric and Gareth Bale, and this would certainly be a great move for Los Blancos.
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His work with Barcelona’s city rivals ensure he would be a popular man with the fans, and having been nicknamed by some as Pep Guardiola’s evil twin, he would be the perfect answer to the very system which has tormented Los Blancos for years.
Pochettino’s work at Spurs is far from over, but the next logical step is to take an elite job having proven his credentials at every step so far. Bringing him in would be a huge coup for Perez but, like any of the men on this list, this coach could not be expected to produce his best work under the conditions of previous years.
One thing is certain, if and when Zinedine Zidane is replaced, something in the air has to change at Real Madrid.