Former Premier League Managers Emerge as Top Contenders to Command Real Madrid's Throne This Summer
Real Madrid are said to be considering former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and recently dismissed Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca as potential long-term replacements for Xabi Alonso.
The Spanish powerhouse parted ways with Alonso merely seven months into his three-year agreement following a 3–2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The 44-year-old's tenure ranks as the eighth-shortest under club president Florentino Pérez.
Real Madrid Castilla manager Álvaro Arbeloa was swiftly named as the new first-team coach, with the club showing complete confidence in the former defender by reportedly providing him with a one-year contract.
A lot of managers don't get time at Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso was one of them. pic.twitter.com/IqsdFc0qi5
However, Los Blancos will not think twice about replacing Arbeloa should he and the squad struggle during the latter half of the 2025–26 campaign, keeping the possibility open for a high-profile appointment to lead the world's most prestigious club.
According to Sky Sport Germany, Real Madrid have included both Klopp and Maresca on their candidate list should they require a new coach this summer. The latter replaced the "favored" Zinedine Zidane, who is broadly anticipated to assume control of the France national squad after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite his current role as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer, Klopp would "genuinely contemplate" the opportunity should Pérez make an approach. However, there have been "no discussions" between both sides thus far, something the German himself acknowledged following the reports.
Klopp Has 'Many Fans' at Real Madrid
Klopp Has 'Many Fans' at Real Madrid
Klopp may have confirmed that Alonso's exit has "absolutely nothing to do with [him]," but the former Liverpool manager remains among the finest coaches currently without attachment to another club's sideline, at minimum.
The 58-year-old departed his position at Anfield before the 2024–25 campaign after guiding the Reds to seven honors, including a Premier League crown and a Champions League triumph. Although he has consistently dismissed speculation about resuming his managerial duties, Klopp continues to be a top choice for any organization seeking proven expertise on the touchline.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the German enjoys "numerous supporters" at Real Madrid and is "valued internally." However, the club would "only contemplate" Klopp if he takes the initiative and chooses to return to management.
Maresca's connections to the Bernabéu are more speculative, though the Italian demonstrated his ability to secure trophies with Chelsea, who defeated Paris Saint-Germain to capture Club World Cup success last summer. The 45-year-old departed Stamford Bridge on New Year's Day after his relationship with the club's leadership deteriorated irreparably.
Only time will reveal whether one of the former Premier League managers—or another candidate altogether—assumes control of Real Madrid in the summer, or if the Spanish giants choose to retain Arbeloa for the 2026–27 season.