Real set to call on Conte as Clasico drubbing spells end for Lopetegui
REAL MADRID are willing to give Antonio Conte a two-year deal to secure his appointment, and finally replace the beleaguered Julen Lopetegui.
The 5-1 humiliation to Barcelona at Camp Nou has finally convinced president Florentino Perez and the Madrid hierarchy to dispense with the Spanish coach sooner rather than later, and there is now wide expectation he will be sacked today.
One previous hold-up had been the difficulty in appointing a replacement.
By far the preferred candidate is Mauricio Pochettino but Perez knows that would be impossible mid-season, and still hugely difficult at the end of it.
With that in mind however, Madrid had been intent on only giving any new manager a short-term deal.
Conte is next on the list of choices – and the first choice for the immediate future – but one impasse had been that he wanted at least a two-season contract.
Madrid sources say they are now likely to bend on that, as they realise how precarious the situation is.
The European champions are in ninth and already in real danger of missing out on the top four this season.
With Madrid’s financial power unusually constrained as their squad remains in need of renewal, there is also a feeling that Conte would be one of the best managers available for actually coaching what he has, without necessarily needing to buy.
Lopetegui, however, still insists he can turn Real Madrid’s season around despite the thrashing.
A hat-trick from Luis Suarez and goals from Philippe Coutinho and Arturo Vidal condemned Real to a heavy defeat.
Speaking after his side’s fifth defeat in seven competitive games, Lopetegui said: “I’m sad and it’s a tough one, but it’s only October and I have the strength to think that we can turn this around and I have confidence in the group.
“Little by little the players are finding form and we’ve had a lot of injuries. I can continue to lead this group, without a doubt.
“A defeat is always hard and against Barcelona even more so. We had the opportunity to turn it around, creating clear chances to draw and win the game in the second half. In the first they were superior and in the second we changed things and were better.
Chances
“The result doesn’t reflect the game, but it’s like that. In the first half we had chances, but the penalty set us back. In the second half we hit the woodwork and had a lot of chances. It wasn’t to be.
“We can only blame ourselves for not having had the ball and not making them run more. With the score at 3-1 the match was effectively over.”
Lopetegui’s future at the Bernabeu was already in doubt before the heavy defeat, but when asked about the manager’s position, Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno said: “It’s not the moment to talk about Lopetegui. The match has just finished and it’s a bad night for all.”
Lopetegui has already been sacked once this year when he was relieved of his duties as Spain manager on the eve of the World Cup after agreeing to take the Madrid job before the start of the tournament.
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde was understandably delighted with the win and singled out Suarez and Sergi Roberto, who set up two of the Uruguayan’s goals, for praise.
“We’re very happy for the people, our fans,” Valverde said.
“Now the game is over we can enjoy it. While it’s happening you are too concentrated and tense.
“We totally dominated the game in the first half and they sat back. They surprised us a bit early in the second half, but we also knew how to react and that’s how the final score came about.
“Sergi Roberto is a jewel for us. He knows the Barca style and DNA to perfection.
“He’s an incredible performer, very dedicated and can play in a number of different positions. He’s a fundamental player for us.
“Luis Suarez? Hard work brings rewards. The hat-trick is a consequence of everything he has been doing. He is always there.” (© Independent News Service)