Mauricio Pochettino previously managed in LaLiga with Espanyol
(Picture: Getty Images)Mauricio Pochettino heads a shortlist of possible replacements for Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid if the Spanish giants suffer early elimination from the Champions League.
Zidane faces a crucial 10 days that could decide his future after Real were beaten 2-0 by Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night to leave them in third place in Group B.
Real president Florentino Perez is reluctant to sack Zidane but the 13-time European champions are off the pace in LaLiga after an alarming recent slump.
They must beat Borussia Monchengladbach in Spain next Wednesday to be sure of progress to the last 16 of the Champions League, and also face tough games in LaLiga against Sevilla on Sunday and then Madrid rivals Atletico next weekend.
Zidane has vowed not to resign but, unless results improve, Perez could be forced into a change.
Pochettino, who has been out of work since leaving Tottenham a year ago, is among the candidates being considered by the Real hierarchy.
This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League.
Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri- Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.
