Could Pochettino replace Zidane at Real?

Cape Town - Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with taking over at Real Madrid - if the La Liga champions decide to part company with Zinedine Zidane.

After a poor start to the season, Zidane’s position has suddenly come under scrutiny. Real suffered a shock defeat to La Liga minnows Girona last weekend to leave them eight points off the top of the table, while they crashed to a 3-1 Champions League defeat to Tottenham in midweek.

Cristiano Ronaldo insists that Real are not in crisis and are merely having to blood fresh faces with several of their senior players on the treatment table.

But reports in the UK have suggested that Real could turn to Spurs boss Pochettino as a potential replacement for Zidane.

Pochettino’s reputation continues to grow with Spurs’ young side catching the eye in both the Premier League and Champions League.

And he is a favourite of Florentino Perez after the Real president referred to him as “my Poch” prior to the first Champions League clash with Spurs two weeks ago.

It appears to be mutual after Pochettino told Radio Marcha: “I have a lot of respect for Florentino. I'm pleased if he feels the same way. He is always friendly towards me.”