Real look towards Hitzfeld

By European Football
November 22 2005

Rumours are gathering pace in Spain that Real Madrid are about to replace Vanderlei Luxemburgo, with Ottmar Hitzfeld. Despite being assured that his job was safe by Emilio Butragueño, the Spanish press believe Luxemburgo’s time at the club is fast running out.

Although Madrid are still in the top four of La Liga, the weekends capitulation to arch-rivals Barcelona could be the final nail in the coffin for Luxemburgo.

Reports of a division in the dressing room, poor team spirit and less than spirited performances on the field are all now conspiring towards a change of coach.

Hitzfeld meanwhile has been linked with a job at Manchester United, but it is believed that he would much prefer to take up the challenge of managing Real Madrid and its under-performing stars.

It may also have an added bonus, that of tempting German star Michael Ballack to Madrid, when he is available at the end of this season on a free contract.