Real Madrid have publicly denied that they are on the hunt for a new sporting director, following reports to the contrary from the Spanish media.
The Spanish giant have struggled this season, with Xabi Alonso sacked just eight months after he was hired as the manager. Interim manager, Alvaro Arbeloa has failed to steady the ship, with Barcelona currently seven points clear in the LaLiga title race.
Madrid are also on the verge of being eliminated from the Champions League as Bayern Munich hold a first leg 2-1 advantage ahead of the second leg in Germany.
In a bid to change their faith next season, reports emerged last week that Real Madrid would look to bring in a new head of operations in the football department to oversee transfer strategy.
Florentino Perez president of Real Madrid. (Photo by Cesar Cebolla / PRESSINPHOTO)
The Spanish giant’s current structure consists of Santiago Solari, who at one point was named sporting director, but is now regarded as more of an ‘advisor on transfer matters’.
General manager Jose Angel Sanchez and head scout Juni Calafat are the other voices who consult with club President Florentino Perez, who has the final call on all matters.
However, reports from Spanish outlet Cadena SER claimed Real could ‘restructure their hierarchy’ when it comes to ‘sporting direction’ and are considering getting a new sporting director.
The report added that while ‘no decision had been taken’, it would, in theory, see Sanchez ‘lose some of his sway as general manager’ at the Estadio Bernabeu.
Real, however, has responded to the reports, categorically denying that they are appointing a new sporting director.
The club statement read: “Real Madrid C. F. informs that the information broadcast by the program El Larguero on Cadena Ser last night, claiming that our club is considering adding a sporting director to its structure, is completely false.
“Real Madrid greatly values the work carried out by the club’s sporting management, which has allowed us to experience one of the most successful periods in our history, including the achievement of numerous titles, among them 6 European Cups in ten years.”
