Real Madrid president Fernando Martin has revealed that England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is one of seven men he would like to see become the next manager at the Bernabeu.
In an interview with Spanish TV station Antena 3, Martin also named Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho, Liverpool’s Rafael Benitez and Arsene Wenger of Arsenal. Italians Carlo Ancelotti, Fabio Capello and Marcello Lippi complete the list.
“It is going to come from one of seven coaches,” said Martin. “We are clear about what type of coach we want.”
Asked to rank the candidates, Martin replied: “No other thing can be said because I believe I have to be prudent.
“What I can say is that we have to try to build a team possible of the best for next year and a basic element of a better team is the coach.”
Real’s current coach, Juan Ramon Lopez Caro, who was appointed in December following the sacking of Wanderlei Luxemburgo, will step down at the end of the season.
Eriksson, the only candidate actively seeking fresh employment following his decision to leave his post after the World Cup, has been granted permission by the Football Association to seek alternatove employment.
Real trail Barcelona by 11 points in La Liga, and they were knocked out of the Champions League knockout stage by Arsenal.
Lopez Caro is the sixth coach to take charge of Real within the last three years – a period in which they have won no trophies.
Martin took over as president in February when Florentino Perez resigned, citing the failure of his “galacticos” policy to bring success on the pitch for Real.
He has vowed to remain in charge, bring a change in the club’s fortunes and win the presidential elections in 2008.
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