Change is often constant at the top of European football, and the summer ahead could bring another major shift at the Real Madrid bench. With uncertainty surrounding manager Álvaro Arbeloa after a difficult start to his tenure, club president Florentino Perez has already begun evaluating possible replacements – with Mauricio Pochettino reportedly among the leading candidates.
Madrid announced Arbeloa as the replacement for Xabi Alonso on January 12, but the club never clarified the length of his contract.
While the former Madrid and Liverpool defender was highly respected at the Santiago Bernabéu for his work with youth teams, sources say he was never widely viewed inside the club as a long-term solution.
Results during his first months have done little to strengthen his position. According to sources close to the situation, Arbeloa would likely need a dramatic turnaround, potentially even winning the Champions League – to remain in charge next season.
Club officials are already preparing for significant structural changes this summer, including possible adjustments within the sporting department and coaching staff.
Despite the uncertainty, Madrid are reportedly open to keeping Arbeloa within the organization.
One option being discussed internally would allow him to remain at the club in another role, possibly returning to coach Real Madrid Castilla or to be the first-team assistant.
Why Pochettino appeals to Real Madrid
Among the names under evaluation, Pochettino has emerged as a coach admired by Perez and several decision-makers at the club.
The Argentine manager is currently in charge of the United States men’s national soccer team, with his contract running through this summer’s World Cup cycle.
However, his long résumé in European club football keeps him firmly on the radar of elite teams.
Pochettino previously built his reputation at Tottenham Hotspur, where he guided the club to the 2019 Champions League final in 2019.
He later coached star-filled squads at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea before leaving the latter in May 2024.
His experience managing elite talent is considered a key factor in Madrid‘s interest. Another detail valued within the club is his previous work with superstar forward Kylian Mbappé during their time together in Paris.
Over two seasons, Pochettino and Mbappé won several domestic trophies.
During his tenure at PSG, Pochettino helped the club capture Ligue 1, the French Cup and the French Super Cup while managing a squad filled with global stars.
However, success in Europe remained elusive. PSG fell to Manchester City in the Champions League semifinals in 2021 and were eliminated by Real Madrid in the round of 16 the following year.
Emery, Klopp and Allegri in the running
Pochettino is not the only coach reportedly under consideration. Several prominent names have been connected with the role in Spanish media, including Jürgen Klopp, Unai Emery and Massimiliano Allegri.
At the same time, Pérez is believed to remain a strong admirer of former manager Zinedine Zidane, who previously led Madrid to multiple Champions League titles.
Yet Zidane‘s return may be unlikely. Some reports suggest the French legend has already agreed to take charge of the France national football team after the upcoming World Cup cycle.
While earlier signings proved highly successful, the verdict is still unclear on several recent additions including Franco Mastantuono, Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Madrid spent more than £170 million during last summer’s transfer window following a trophyless campaign, increasing the pressure to deliver results.
With the season approaching its decisive stages, Arbeloa still has an opportunity to influence his future. A strong finish or a deep Champions League run could change the club’s evaluation.
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