A report from Brazilian site UOL says that Marcelo Gallardo has been placed on the Real Madrid shortlist to replace Carlo Ancelotti in case the Italian boss leaves for Brazil – after reports linked Gallardo with Leeds back in February.
Following the sacking of Jesse Marsch at the beginning of last month, Gallardo was linked with a move to Elland Road. It comes after Gallardo ended an eight-year stint as manager of River Plate, where he is deemed an icon.
Three spells as a player, clocking up 305 games, Gallardo then became manager and won 14 titles – managing the Argentine giants 424 times. That spell ended in December. TyC Sports said Leeds made an offer for boss Gallardo.
However, he turned it down – stating he needed time before making his next move. Perhaps unsurprising, given the position Leeds were in at the time, and that he had just been in work for the last eight years. Now, Madrid are keen.
Ancelotti is expected to leave Madrid in the summer with Brazil keen on hiring the ex-Everton and Chelsea manager. The La Liga champions are drawing up a list of replacements, and UOL claim that Gallardo is on that shortlist.
Marcelo Gallardo on Real Madrid shortlist after Leeds links in February
It would be a crazy turn of events. There is no doubting that his work at River Plate was little short of a masterclass over the eight years he was in charge. But to go from possibly joining Leeds, to the Real Madrid job, is surprising.
Indeed, it would also be a bit of a shock if Gallardo did win the Madrid job. While River Plate is a massive club, Real would surely want to see him show he can do it in European football – before hiring him as Ancelotti’s incumbent.
Leeds are likely to still have him on their shortlist, in case they decide not to move forward with Javi Gracia – despite the Spaniard’s impressive start to life at Elland Road. But, Gallardo is clearly capable of bigger and better.
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