Wenger and Pochettino lead race to be new Real Madrid boss

Shockwaves were sent around European football on Thursday as Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane announced he is leaving the club just five days after leading them to Champions League glory over Liverpool.

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was the early frontrunner in the next Real Madrid manager market but Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has the edge with most bookmakers, while Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is just behind them.

Zidane guided Madrid to three Champions League titles and one La Liga success after taking over in January 2016, although they finished third in Spain this season behind champions Barcelona and Madrid rivals Atletico.

"I love this club," Zidane said. "What I think is that this team needs to continue winning but I think it needs a change, a different voice, another methodology."

But his decision came as a shock even to Real president Florentino Perez, who will make the decision regarding his replacement.

"This was a totally unexpected decision. Zidane informed me of his choice yesterday," said Perez. "I would love for him to be by my side forever."

Zidane's exit will fuel speculation over the future of Real superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, who have both recently hinted that their time at the Bernabeu may be coming to an end.

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