Real Madrid made one final push to appoint Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager before luring Julen Lopetegui to the Bernabeu, according to reports.
Pochettino emerged as Madrid’s number one candidate to succeed Zinedine Zidane following the Frenchman’s surprise resignation.
However, the Argentinian had just signed a new five-year contract with Spurs, and Madrid were said to be unwilling to negotiate with chairman Daniel Levy.
The La Liga giants eventually announced the appointment of Spain manager Lopetegui, who was sacked as the national team’s coach the following day.
But El Pais journalist Diego Torres – who, according to the Independent, is known for having sources close to Madrid – claims the European giants made one last effort to lure Pochettino from Tottenham before confirming Lopetegui as their new manager.
Lopetegui was apparently Madrid’s sixth choice behind the likes of Pochettino, Jurgen Klopp and Antonio Conte.
Once again, it seems Spurs timed their new contract agreement with Pochettino perfectly – who knows what would have happened if the deal hand’t been sorted before Zidane’s exit?
