Leonardo Jardim emerges as surprising candidate for Real Madrid job | OneFootball

Leonardo Jardim is being considered as a potential candidate for the vacant Real Madrid manager’s job, according to reports.

After a disappointing start to the season, Los Blancos parted company with Julen Lopetegui last week, just four months after appointing the former Spain boss.

Ex-Madrid midfielder Santiago Solari has been put in temporary charge of first-team affairs and has so far overseen two victories – against Melilla in the Copa del Rey and Real Valladolid in LaLiga.

The likes of Antonio Conte, Roberto Martínez and José Mourinho have all been touted as possible successors to Lopetegui, and now ESPN are reporting that Jardim has emerged as a surprise candidate for the role.

The Venezuelan won the 2016/17 Ligue 1 title with Monaco but was fired last month and replaced by Thierry Henry after a poor start to the 2018/19 campaign.

The 44-year-old was raised in Portugal and has previously also coached a number of clubs, including Beira Mar, Braga, Sporting CP and Olympiakos.

LaLiga rules state that Solari cannot remain in interim charge at the Bernabéu beyond the upcoming international break and Madrid youngster Achraf Hakimi would like to see the Argentine given a chance on a permanent basis.

“I know Solari well and I’m happy he has been granted the opportunity to coach Real Madrid,” Achraf told Spanish outlet Cadena Ser.

“I think he is qualified to coach the first team and he will gradually prove it.

“Solari brings a lot of intensity to the team and that is then reflected on the pitch.”