ANCELLOTTI OUT...GUESS WHO IS IN.

KLOPP, BENITEZ, ZIDANE..

Carlo Ancelotti was sacked as Real Madrid manager on Monday night as Florentino Perez wielded his axe for the ninth time in 12 years as club president.

But who is set to replace the 55-year-old at the Bernabeu? Here, we look at five contenders. 

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Carlo Ancelotti was sacked as Real Madrid manager on Monday night after a trophyless season

Florentino Perez announces release of head coach Carlo Ancelotti

ZINEDINE ZIDANE

The Galactico is already part of the coaching staff at the Bernabeu and is highly thought of by president Florentino Perez. But it could be a gamble for his first job in management to come with the 10-time European champions.

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Zinedine Zidane is already part of the coaching staff at the Bernabeu and manages Real Madrid's B-team

RAFAEL BENITEZ

The former Liverpool manager is out of contract after two years at Napoli. He began his coaching career at Real and is not short of confidence. He may not be a popular appointment, but he did well at Chelsea when an unwelcome interim boss.

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Rafa Benitez is out of contract after two years at Napoli and is among the favourites to replace Ancelotti

JURGEN KLOPP

The German leaves Borussia Dortmund this summer after a hugely successful seven-year spell. His signature will be coveted, with Liverpool a possible destination should they part ways with Brendan Rodgers, but Real would surely match his ambition.

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Jurgen Klopp leaves Borussia Dortmund this summer and has been linked with the Madrid job

JORGE JESUS

Should Real opt for another Portuguese, after Jose Mourinho, they may go for Jesus. He has impressed in leading Benfica to back-to-back Portuguese Liga titles and would likely welcome the opportunity to test himself in Madrid.

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Jorge Jesus won back-to-back Portuguese Liga titles and would welcome the move to the Madrid club

UNAI EMERY

The Spaniard could yet lead Sevilla to a second successive Europa League title and, with it, qualification for the 2015/16 Champions League. Emery has been linked with a move to AC Milan, but Madrid would surely appeal more.