Sky Sports' Spanish football expert backs Mauricio Pochettino to remain at White Hart Lane
Friday 4 March 2016 16:20, UK
Zinedine Zidane's once-guaranteed position as Real Madrid manager is in jeopardy after his side slipped out of the La Liga title race, according to Guillem Balague.
Madrid's hopes of dethroning champions Barcelona, and winning only a second Primera Division title in eight seasons, look slim after a disappointing draw with Malaga and last weekend's derby defeat to Atletico.
Zidane's appointment in January appeared to mark the dawn of a new era at the Bernabeu, with Balague suggesting trigger-happy president Florentino Perez would give the Madrid legend sufficient time to succeed.
However after just two months in the job, and with Real 12 points behind leaders Barca, Sky Sports' Spanish football expert has revealed Zidane's position could rely on whether he captures an 11th Champions League crown for the club.
"Real Madrid have to decide who is going to be their next manager." Balague told his weekly Q&A session.
"They have called a few [managers], but they want to see what happens in the Champions League before reinforcing Zidane's position.
"It is quite funny as only a few weeks ago Zidane was guaranteed to stay. Now, it is a 'we will see' from the club.
"There is a clear lack of direction at Real Madrid at present - they lack ideas. Add that to the fact that there could be early presidential elections, then anything is possible."
It is quite funny as only few weeks ago Zidane was guaranteed to stay. Now, it is a 'we will see' from the Madrid hierarchy.
Real are reported to have highlighted Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino as a potential replacement for Zidane, should Madrid's European campaign go the same way their domestic season.
But Balague expects the Argentine to remain at White Hart Lane and continue his redevelopment project that has moved Spurs to within touching distance of the Premier League title.
"Pochettino is being followed closely by a few top clubs," he added. "Manchester United and Real Madrid for starters - it is logical after the season Spurs are having.
"But he has worked so hard to get Spurs going, he feels he is shaping them to his image and he is adapting to the Premier League.
"I am sure Pochettino would like to continue with Spurs next season, especially with Champions League football as a possibility, if everything goes well."
Watch highlights of Real Madrid's La Liga clash at home to Celta Vigo from 9.30pm on Saturday on Sky Sports 3 HD.
