Following Xabi Alonso's departure in January, Álvaro Arbeloa stepped into the managerial role at Real Madrid. Unfortunately for him, his tenure has not been as successful as that of his predecessor, especially in La Liga. Alonso exited the Bernabéu with an impressive win ratio of 74%, while Arbeloa, having managed five fewer league games, has already suffered more losses, resulting in a win percentage that has dipped to 64%. Adding to his woes, a shocking defeat to second-tier side Albacete in the Copa del Rey, occurring just two days after he took charge, has further complicated Arbeloa's position.
Speculation is rife regarding potential replacements should Arbeloa be dismissed, with former Real Madrid boss José Mourinho emerging as a prominent candidate. Currently managing Benfica in Portugal, Mourinho enjoyed a successful spell at the Bernabéu from 2010 to 2013, securing La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup during his time in charge. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has noted that while Mourinho is favoured by Real's president Florentino Pérez, his return to Madrid seems unlikely at this juncture.
As it stands, Real Madrid finds itself without a manager for the upcoming season. Arbeloa, who has a year remaining on his contract, is clearly under scrutiny from Pérez, who is exploring other managerial options. While Pérez acknowledges some of the positives from Arbeloa's brief tenure, the harsh reality is that results are the ultimate determinant of decisions at the Bernabéu.
To understand the potential direction of the club, one must grasp Pérez's managerial philosophy. He is not overly concerned with playing style, tactical identity, or whether the team adopts a high press or a more conservative approach. What matters most to Pérez is winning and effectively managing the egos and personalities within the squad. For him, the ideal manager is akin to a conductor, orchestrating the talents at his disposal.
At the Bernabéu, a philosophical divide exists regarding the type of manager needed. On one side, José Ángel Sánchez, the club's number two, advocates for a tactically astute coach who can impose structure on a talented but often chaotic squad. This perspective has previously led to the appointments of Rafa Benitez, Julen Lopetegui, and most recently, Alonso, all of whom lasted only a few months. Pérez’s lukewarm support for these coaches meant that when results faltered, they were swiftly dismissed.
Conversely, Pérez favours the grand manager archetype, someone whose mere presence commands respect in the dressing room. Think Zinedine Zidane or Carlo Ancelotti, both of whom have enjoyed multiple successful tenures. With Alonso gone, Pérez’s inclination towards this type of manager has resurfaced, reflected in the names currently under consideration.
José Mourinho has been generating significant headlines in this context. Insiders suggest he may not be the sole candidate, but his name is certainly driven by both Pérez and Mourinho himself. Despite being under contract with Benfica until 2027, Mourinho has the option to exit, and it is understood that he is keen to return to the Bernabéu. His recent conduct during the Gianluca Prestianni incident in the Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid has not diminished his standing among the club’s hierarchy, including Pérez. The prospect of Mourinho's return is a tantalising wildcard; it's an opportunity for Pérez to re-engage with a familiar figure capable of commanding a dressing room. However, sources indicate that this move would only materialise if other options prove unviable.
Among the contenders for the Real Madrid managerial position are Mauricio Pochettino and Massimiliano Allegri. Pochettino remains a strong candidate, but his commitment to the United States national team for the World Cup poses a potential obstacle. Should his tenure with the national team not yield the desired results, or if it extends into July, coinciding with the start of pre-season, his candidacy may be complicated. Nevertheless, Pochettino is well-liked at the club, and his previous successes with Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea have not gone unnoticed. His longstanding ambition to manage Real Madrid places him in a favourable position.
Another name under consideration is Didier Deschamps, whose contract with the French national team runs until the World Cup. After the tournament, he would be available, but again, the timing may not align perfectly. Deschamps has demonstrated his ability to manage a squad filled with strong personalities with a calm authority, and his lack of interest in imposing a rigid footballing philosophy aligns with Pérez’s vision.
Massimiliano Allegri, currently at AC Milan, is also being seriously considered. He embodies the Ancelotti archetype, an experienced manager familiar with handling star players without imposing a specific style of play. Pérez has shown interest in Allegri in the past, and his name continues to circulate within the club. There is even speculation that Luka Modric, who departed for Milan last summer, could return alongside Allegri, although both have publicly denied any interest in such a move.
Lastly, former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has been mentioned as a potential candidate. While his name carries considerable weight, there are reservations about his interventionist approach, which demands a specific style of play. This contrasts with Pérez’s preference for a more adaptable managerial style. For now, Klopp appears to be a name that excites fans outside the club more than it resonates within.
In summary, Real Madrid stands at a crossroads. With Álvaro Arbeloa's future uncertain, the club's hierarchy is weighing its options carefully, balancing the desire for immediate success with the long-term vision for the team. The next managerial appointment could define the club's trajectory for years to come.
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