Real Madrid will sack coach Julen Lopetegui on Monday and are lining up former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte as his replacement.
Lopetegui has been on the brink since last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at home to Levante and is set to be dismissed following Sunday’s 5-1 loss against Barcelona in the Clasico at Camp Nou, which was Los Blancos’ fifth defeat in seven games.
Conte is available since leaving Stamford Bridge in the summer and is the coach chosen to take over as president Florentino Perez looks to rescue a season described by midfielder Casemiro as “a disaster” after Sunday’s loss.
Perez was seen with a stern expression and telephone in hand in the VIP box during his side’s defeat at Camp Nou and is ready to sack Lopetegui on Monday after just 14 competitive matches in charge.
The club chief will meet with his board on Monday afternoon, with the decision to dispense with the coach expected to be announced after that.
Conte’s brother and agent Daniele told Cadena SER on Wednesday night that the Italian had not heard from Real Madrid, but he did leave the door open for a possible move.
“Antonio is on holiday. He has not received any call from Real Madrid,” he said, although he added: "Real Madrid are a great club."
The former Juventus coach took legal action against Chelsea after his sacking in the summer, but it was reported by Sport Mediaset on Friday that his representatives in London had reached a settlement with the Blues.
Conte is currently in Egypt and Cadena SER claim the Italian does not have all the paperwork needed to take over just yet, which could see Castilla coach Santiago Solari in charge on an interim basis for Real’s Copa del Rey clash against Melilla on Wednesday night.
