One of the most popular reactions from fans of any professional sports franchise comes when they are upset about the man responsible for leading their team. You know how the story goes: the season has been a disappointment and they blame it all on the head man, clamoring for him to be fired.
Whether it’s a team that has underachieved or a team that seems stuck without a long term vision, it is usually the coach or manager that is identified as the one that has to go in some part because they are the person with the vision and in some part because they are a lot easier to let go than some of the other pieces that would be involved.
However, when it comes to the shortsighted nature of the fans, one of the most overlooked aspects of their claims to fire a coach or manager is the potential lack of a capable replacement. It might make sense that a fan base would want to get rid of a coach or manager but if they don’t have a better option available then should they blindly make the change? Carlo Ancelotti’s future with Real Madrid has been widely speculated about but it is the very nature of this theory that serves as the biggest reason why he deserves at least one more year with the team. Here are three reasons why Ancelotti should get one more year on the job.
Who Will Replace Him?
The calls for Ancelotti’s head have been louder at some times than others but it’s important to approach the situation from a practical standpoint and that begins with the potential availability of a better option. Ancelotti has built a solid resume coaching some of the top clubs across Europe and it won’t be easy to find another manager with similar qualifications to take his place. Jurgen Klopp is one name that has been talked about as well as soccer legend Zinedine Zidane, but the latter has never managed before while the former isn’t necessarily a strong fit for a club that has already been established as one of the best in Europe. Sure, Ancelotti hasn’t delivered a trophy but the replacements could be worse for the team.
Real Madrid Is Still In Contention
While the talk about a potential replacement for Ancelotti can be debated, there is also the other aspect of a season that hasn’t been completed yet with Real Madrid still very much in contention for both a La Liga and Champions League title. Ancelotti has done an excellent job maneuvering his squad despite injuries to key players like Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez, and at full strength it’s clear his side would have a winning chance against any club in the world. Ancelotti might not be the best long-term option at Real Madrid but considering his team is still very much alive in two key title races, it makes much more sense to wait until the season is complete before debating his merits. If he brings home the bacon, why replace him at all?
He’s Earned The Right To Finish What He’s Started
The rumors about a potential manager change will undoubtedly continue on over the next couple of weeks and beyond that unless something gets done. However, with so much attention on Real Madrid, it makes sense that the position will be talked about regardless of who is the man in charge. Ancelotti has earned the right to finish off this season and manage Real Madrid for at least one more year in order to fully execute his vision for the club when it is at full strength. Unless they can find a capable replacement that would represent a significant improvement, it makes a lot more sense to stick with Ancelotti as the manager moving forward.
