Antonio Conte set to turn down Real Madrid
Italian Antonio Conte will not replace Julen Lopetegui if he is sacked as Real Madrid manager according to Spanish media outlets.
In the wake of Sunday’s 5-1 El Clasico humbling by arch-rivals FC Barcelona, Real look set to fire Lopetegui after four months in charge with widespread speculation they would turn to former Chelsea manager Conte.
Although Real are still expected to sack Lopetegui, who took training on Monday, Spanish media reported that negotiations have stalled with Conte, citing the dressing-rooms reluctance to accept the Italian as the main reason.
Conte is famed for his direct management style and eyebrows were raised on Sunday when Real captain Sergio Ramos suggested after the Barcelona game that the players would not welcome him.
“Respect is earned, not imposed,” Ramos told reporters who quizzed him on the potential arrival of the former Juventus, Italy and Chelsea manager.
Lopetegui’s reign at the Bernabeu has been dismal with the side currently sitting 9th in La Liga following three straight league defeats.
Reports have also stated Santiago Solari, the former Real player and current reserve team manager, will be put in temporary charge of the first team by president Florentino Perez and will sit in the dugout for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey clash with Melilla.
