How Man City vs Liverpool became football's hottest rivalry

Why can't all-conquering Chelsea fill Stamford Bridge? 

Southgate on his way out! England change inevitable

The Saudi Pro League's top January transfer targets

England's Euros squad rankings: Who'll make it on the plane?

Wasteful Raphinha sums up sorry Brazil in Argentina loss

'Hell of a mess' - Neymar reacts to Brazil vs Argentina clash 

Mbappe can't be the hero every time for France!

🎥 'Watch your mouth!' - Messi RAGES at Rodrygo

Mexico's stunning comeback books Copa America spot

U.S court gives verdict on appeal from Ronaldo's rape accuser

CR7's girlfriend risks breaking Saudi law with bikini pictures

What is Messi's record vs Brazil?

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ancelotti likely to join Brazil in 2024</li><li>Madrid want De Zerbi to replace compatriot</li><li>Perez impressed with his work with youngsters</li></ul>

Carlo Ancelotti's replacement? Real Madrid contact highly-regarded Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi over becoming next manager

Premier League

Nottm Forest

Brighton

La Liga

Cádiz

Real Madrid

According to <a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/real-madrid/real-madrid-contacta-zerbi-94886538" target="_blank">Sport, </a>Los Blancos consider De Zerbi as the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/six-reasons-carlo-ancelotti-brazil-coach-2024-no-sense-real-madrid/blt05c4db5a9818901e" target="_blank">potential successor to Ancelotti,</a> who is touted to join the Brazilian national team next summer. De Zerbi's transformative work at Brighton, turning them into giant killers and top-six contenders, has garnered significant attention.

WHAT HAPPENED?

It has been reported that initial discussions have taken place, and Madrid believe that De Zerbi is ready for the next step in his career. The interest is fuelled by the manager's impressive track record of developing and nurturing young talents. The Spanish giants have several world-class young talents in their squad like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and the Bernabeu hierarchy trusts De Zerbi's expertise in bringing out the best from those potential superstars.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Earlier in the season, Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, revealed <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/man-city-pep-guardiola-roberto-de-zerbi-brighton/blt52eef9c55af90fbc" target="_blank">himself as an admirer of De Zerbi</a> and hailed the 44-year-old as one who could succeed him at the Etihad. The Spaniard even admitted that he follows De Zerbi's tactics and tries to learn from them.

DID YOU KNOW?

Several names have been linked with Real Madrid in the recent past with Bayer Leverkusen manager <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/bayer-leverkusen-deny-liverpool-real-madrid-release-clause-xabi-alonso-contract/blt6c75a07da727d162" target="_blank">Xabi Alonso also among the potential candidates</a> to replace Ancelotti. There have also been reports that Ancelotti could be <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/brazil-real-madrid-carlo-ancelotti-two-year-deal-selecao-italian-2024/blt311ec02ba7ab8077" target="_blank">offered an extension by the Spanish outfit.</a> In the short-term, De Zerbi will remain focussed on Brighton as the Sea Gulls return to action against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID AND DE ZERBI?

Carlo Ancelotti's replacement? Real Madrid contact highly-regarded Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi over becoming next manager | Goal.com English Saudi Arabia

Real Madrid have reportedly contacted Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi over becoming their next manager, replacing Carlo Ancelotti.

Carlo Ancelotti&apos;s replacement? Real Madrid contact highly-regarded Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi over becoming next manager

Editors' Picks