Real Madrid has moved swiftly to find a replacement after parting ways with Xabi Alonso just 232 days into his tenure. The Spanish coach exited by mutual agreement following a dramatic decline in team performance and mounting pressure from the club’s demanding standards. Although Alonso had started impressively with 17 wins in his first 20 matches, consecutive losses and stagnant gameplay in subsequent weeks ultimately sealed his fate.
Klopp Emerges as Top Priority
Jürgen Klopp has emerged as Florentino Pérez’s absolute priority for the summer of 2026, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg. The legendary German manager is reportedly seriously considering the prestigious opportunity to lead Real Madrid. Despite Red Bull’s public insistence that Klopp is not available following his Liverpool departure, the Spanish giants remain undeterred in their pursuit of one of football’s most respected figures.
Maresca as Backup Plan
Should negotiations with Klopp prove unsuccessful, Real Madrid has identified Enzo Maresca as a viable alternative. The recently dismissed Chelsea manager is currently available and has been placed on the club’s shortlist. With Álvaro Arbeloa temporarily managing the team during this transition period, Madrid is determined to make a significant managerial appointment that reflects the club’s winning tradition and ambitions for European dominance.
The coming months will reveal whether Klopp accepts the challenge of reviving Real Madrid’s fortunes and cementing his legacy among the sport’s elite managers.