Michael Laudrup rules himself out of the running for Real Madrid job

Laudrup said that he has neither offered himself to the club nor turned down any approach from Madrid

The Dane has spent the last few seasons in Qatar with Lekhwiya and al-Rayyan (Getty)

Dark horse candidate Michael Laudrup has effectively ruled himself out of the running for the Real Madrid managerial post, claiming he wouldn’t consider taking over until the summer when he is ready to return to coaching.

The Dane has spent the last few seasons in Qatar with Lekhwiya and al-Rayyan since leaving Swansea City, and reports in Spain had claimed that he had rejected the opportunity to take over Madrid until the end of the season.

But Laudrup, 54, said that he has neither offered himself to the club nor turned down any approach from a team where he played for two years after signing from arch rivals FC Barcelona.

And when asked by Marca if he would accept the job, he said that he was not ready quite yet.

“Not now because I need this time,” he said. “At least until next summer, then I will see what decision I take with respect to my career. Maybe after this period I’ll feel that I prefer family life.”

After three years in Qatar, Laudrup wants to spend more time with his family and two grandchildren after a career that has seen him play and coach all over the world.

“I started playing at 17 and I’ve lived nearly 40 years away from Denmark.

“Now my body is telling me to be with my family. I’m the grandfather to two boys and I want to enjoy as well all the things that before I had to give up.

“I don’t know what I’ll do in the future but I’m commentating on the Premier League and Champions League, because in football you can never separate yourself completely.”

Roberto Martinez is still in the running to take over at the Bernabeu but the club's hierarchy are increasingly clear in their desire to not commit to a coach beyond this summer, when some of their top targets, particularly Mauricio Pochettino, may be available.