Antonio Conte's appointment as Real Madrid boss has been thrown into doubt due to a lack of support from a number of key players at the club.
The Italian seemed poised to take the reins at the Santiago Bernabeu, with current boss Julen Lopetegui looking certain to be dismissed from his post. The team has endured a miserable run of form, compounded by a humiliating 5-1 defeat at the hands of great rivals Barcelona on Sunday afternoon.
Most expected that result to be the final straw for club president Florentino Perez, and Conte was seen as the obvious choice to replace the former Spain manager.
However reports emerging from Spain and Italy now suggest that the move may not materialise, with some senior figures in the Madrid dressing room not sold on the appointment. Sergio Ramos is one of those rumoured to be involved.
Seems Madrid’s players vetoing Conte. Perez always runs choices past the senior figures (Ramos). An awful lot of power for players who may not have long left at very top.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) October 29, 2018
It had been rumoured that Thibaut Courtois was also unhappy about Conte potentially arriving at the club, with his relationship with the Italian deteriorating during their final months at Chelsea.
While the merits of players having that level of influence at the club can be debated, it seems the likes of Ramos will have a major say in the direction the club chooses to go in.
Real Madrid Castilla manager Santiago Solarinow looks likely to be given the job on an interim basis. The Argentine is viewed as a steady pair of hands who is familiar with the club, and may be given a chance to prove his credentials for the top job.
Some reports have suggested that Belgium boss Roberto Martinez is now also being considered for the position, with some people at the club impressed with the work he has done since leaving Everton in 2016.
