Real Madrid look set to miss out on the La Liga title this year and were knocked out of the Champions League by Chelsea at the semi-final stage.
That means Zinedine Zidane could be out of a job come the summer and recent reports have linked Carlo Ancelotti with a return.
We asked former Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn what he made of the reports in an exclusive interview with Everton.News.
He said it would be a huge blow if Ancelotti did leave, given the outstanding job he’s done since his arrival.
“They’re pretty ruthless with their managers and they would see Carlo as a safe pair of hands,” said Martyn of Madrid.
“I’m sure he’s in their equation. It would be a massive blow to Everton, to be honest. He’s managed the team very well this year and the team needs to be strengthened if they want to get in that top four.
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“The owner has got to ring him and ask what’s going on – have a real honest conversation. If it is the case that if Madrid came in Carlo would want to go, you’ve got to have your replacement ready to go.
“It would be a blow. Ancelotti’s a draw for players as well. Hopefully the new stadium and trying to turn Everton around and get back into the top four is attractive enough for him.
“But usually if Madrid or Barcelona come calling, people tend to go. Madrid will have other coaches in mind though – so hopefully they go for them instead!”
Martyn’s right to say that Real and Barcelona normally get what they want – but these aren’t normal times.
Madrid are in a weak financial position, trying to balance the books before making any of the blockbuster signings they pride themselves on.
They were of course at the heart of the recent doomed Super League proposals, which made them and Florentino Perez a laughing stock across world football.
That might all add up to mean Ancelotti doesn’t want to throw away what he’s building at Everton to return to Spain.
That’s what everyone connected with Everton will be hoping anyway.
Nigel Martyn speaking to Everton News: Archive