Reports | Real Madrid considered appointing Antonio Conte before Zidane

Real Madrid were in serious crisis last season as they suffered a string of failed managerial choices. First Julen Lopetegui failed to live upto rather lofty expectations after he was chosen as the successor to Zinedine Zidane. Then Loptegui’s successor Santiago Solari did well to patch the team together for a few weeks but he eventually succumbed to bad choices and terrible performances.

In the end, the Los Blancos decided to reappoint Zinedine Zidane but this time the Frenchman would be allowed to take charge of transfers and has been given far more flexibility. However, the former Juventus star has failed to bring back the charm he had in his first spell as Los Blancos boss and the club has struggled in the Champions League. They’ve done relatively well in the La Liga but performances in the Champions League have suffered and Calciomercato claims that Antonio Conte was being evaluated as an option last season.

The report goes on to add that before Solari was sacked and the Santiago Bernabeu side was looking at potential options, they considered appointing the former Juventus boss. But Calciomercato adds that club captain Sergio Ramos begged the club’s hierarchy not to appoint Conte. The Spanish captain preferred anybody else over Conte and the decision was made. Zidane was appointed but the Frenchman has struggled to get the best out of his new team. 

He has come under immense pressure with Real Madrid failing to register a single win in their first two UEFA Champions League games. They lost their first game to Paris Saint-Germain away and somehow walked away with a draw against Club Brugge at home. Los Blancos next face Granada on Saturday in La Liga as they aim to maintain their top spot in the league table.