Who could replace José Mourinho at Real Madrid?

Joachim Löw

Age 52

Teams FC Frauenfeld, Stuttgart, Fenerbahce, Karlsruher, Adanaspor, Wacker Innsbruck, Austria Vienna, Germany

Achievements German Cup (1997), Austrian Bundesliga (2002), Euro 2008 finalists, 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 semi-finalists.

Real-istic manager? Having led Germany to the later stages of three major tournaments Low may well be tempted by a fresh challenge, and the plaudits he has received across Europe for nurturing an exciting young Germany side is likely to have caught the attention of the Bernabéu hierarchy.

Carlo Ancelotti

Age 53

Teams Reggiana, Parma, Juventus, Milan, Chelsea, Paris St-Germain

Achievements Coppa Italia (2003), Serie A (2004), Champions League (2003 and 2007), Uefa Super Cup (2003 and 2007), Fifa Club World Cup (2007), Premier League (2010), FA Cup (2010)

Real-istic manager? The Italian is under pressure at Paris St-Germain as the team sit fourth in Ligue 1 despite a huge outlay prior to the season. The club's Qatari owners are expected to replace Ancelotti in the summer and Real could do worse than hiring a man with a proven record for winning major honours.

Arsène Wenger

Age 63

Teams RC Strasbourg, Nancy, Monaco, Grampus Eight, Arsenal

Achievements Ligue 1 (1988), Coupe de France (1991), Emperor's Cup (1995), Premier League (1998, 2002, 2004), FA Cup (1998, 2002, 2003, 2005)

Real-istic manager? Arsenal have made their worst start to a season under the Frenchman and there is a growing sense that his time at the club is coming to an end. His achievements in north London, allied to belief in playing attractive, attacking football make him a realistic replacement for Mourinho.

Rafael Benítez

Age 52

Teams Real Madrid B, Real Valladolid, Osasuna, Extremadura, Tenerife, Valencia, Liverpool, Internazionale, Chelsea

Achievements La Liga (2002 and 2004), Uefa Cup (2004), Champions League (2005), Uefa Super Cup (2005), FA Cup (2006), Fifa Club World Cup (2010)

Real-istic manager? The Spaniard is enduring a difficult time as Chelsea's interim manager and few expect him to last beyond the end of the season. He would undoubtedly be tempted by the Real job given he is from Madrid and used to manage their B Team. His list of achievements should also appeal to the club.

Míchel

Age 49

Teams Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid B, Getafe, Sevilla

Achievements Kept Getafe in La Liga

Real-istic manager? An outside bet but the former Real midfielder, who came through the club's youth system and helped them win six La Liga titles, has drawn admiration for keeping Getafe in La Liga for three seasons having being appointed in April 2009. He was appointed Sevilla manager in February.