Leeds reach out to Real Madrid coach Ancelotti as possible Farke replacement
Leeds United could be set to part ways with head coach Daniel Farke, and a shock option has now emerged as his replacement.
Farke has brought Leeds back to the Premier League, but they may ruthlessly dismiss him in the hope that a new coach can help them beat relegation.
Leeds are not the only club considering changing manager, though, as Real Madrid now appear ready to dismiss Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season.
Despite winning the Champions League last season, Real Madrid may part ways with Ancelotti after a disappointing season, which could open up an unexpected opportunity for Leeds.
Leeds eye up Davide Ancelotti to replace Farke
Leeds are keeping an eye on the managerial situation at Real Madrid as they prepare to make a decision over Farke, but not for the reason many would expect.
When Ancelotti leaves Real Madrid, his assistant Davide Ancelotti will also leave. Davide is Carlo’s son, and has been his assistant at the Santiago Bernabeu since 2021.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points |
| 102 | 59 | 24 | 19 | 201 |
The Guardian (28 April) have now reported that Davide Ancelotti is among the names Leeds admire as possible Farke replacements, and there will be no need to pay compensation once he departs Real Madrid.
With Leeds in a difficult financial situation with regards to Profit and Sustainability Rules, it is claimed that any Farke replacement will likely be a coach who is out of work, and the Italian would fit the bill after his expected departure from Madrid in June.
It is expected that Carlo Ancelotti will take the vacant Brazil national team job, but if Leeds offer the head coach role to his son, he may be tempted to start his own managerial career.
Why do Leeds want Davide Ancelotti?
The 35-year-old has worked with his father at his last four clubs, assisting at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton and now Real Madrid alongside some of the biggest names in the world.
Although he is yet to be a head coach, it appears that Leeds see Ancelotti has a hidden gem, and someone who can become their own Andoni Iraola.
Ancelotti obtained his UEFA Pro Coaching licence in July 2023, and recently took charge of a La Liga game in the absence of his father, with Real Madrid winning 1-0 against Deportivo Alaves.
Davide was praised by former Bayern Munich star Javi Martinez, who highlighted the role he plays in training.
“The evolution process never stops and it is more difficult to adapt for older coaches,” Martinez stated of the Leeds target in July 2024.
“Davide completes Carlo and helps him understand the evolution of football. Davide is incredible: prepared, serious, a great person, like his father.”
Although it is a risky option, Leeds are evidently open to gambling on an unknown quantity this summer, and perhaps they see the potential for Ancelotti to become a top-class coach like his father.