Antonio Conte must now understand the saying, “good things come to those who wait.”
According to multiple reports in Spain, Real Madrid are expected to strike a deal to hire Conte as its new manager in the wake of Los Blancos’ 5-1 defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday. Current Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui, who only became club manager last June in controversial fashion just days before the start of the 2018 World Cup, is expected to be sacked on Monday, with the club’s current form leaving the team in ninth place in La Liga.
The reports state that Conte could be announced as the new manager on Monday and presented Tuesday. Former Real Madrid star Santiago Solari, now the coach of the B team, Real Madrid Castilla, could take charge of the Copa Del Rey match against Melilla on Wednesday on an interim basis.
Antonio Conte es el elegido por el Real Madrid para sustituir en el banquillo a Julen Lopetegui, después del deseo frustrado de contratar a Mourinho https://t.co/6h1MZhoAT5 Por @diegotorresro
— EL PAÍS Deportes (@elpais_deportes) October 29, 2018
Interestingly, the decision to reportedly hire Conte came after talks were “paralyzed” due to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez’s hope and wish to bring back Jose Mourinho. It appears that one way or another, Perez believes that the team needs an authoritarian in charge to whip the team back into shape, something that Lopetegui was unable to do. Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Everton has certainly prolonged Mourinho’s stay at Old Trafford, leaving Real Madrid with no other option than Conte.
The former Chelsea boss has been a free agent since leaving Stamford Bridge this summer, leaving him available to take over one of the biggest clubs in the world.