16 April 2026
Real Madrid has begun taking serious steps towards a new phase, with the club's management compiling a list of four coaches to replace Álvaro Arbeloa, amid growing expectations that the current manager will leave the Santiago Bernabéu.
According to Spanish press reports, Arbeloa's departure from the Spanish giants has become "almost inevitable," especially after the disappointing Champions League exit against Bayern Munich and the team's drop in the La Liga standings to nine points behind leaders Barcelona. This has put the management under significant pressure to make crucial decisions before the summer transfer window opens.
Despite Arbeloa's seemingly calm demeanor in his post-match comments following Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern, which ended in a 3-4 defeat for Real Madrid, his continued tenure was contingent on achieving strong results in the continental competition. With that dream fading, finding a replacement has become the top priority for the Royal Club's management.
Real Madrid's management has identified four prominent names as potential candidates to lead the team in the next phase. At the top of the list is German Jürgen Klopp, considered the preferred long-term option thanks to his extensive experience and achievements with Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund. He is followed by Frenchman Didier Deschamps, the current coach of the French national team, seen as a safe choice capable of instilling tactical discipline.
Also prominent is Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino, known for his attacking philosophy and vast experience in major leagues, who is likely to be a pleasant surprise for Madrid fans. Finally, there is the legendary Zinedine Zidane, who is always welcome at the Bernabéu due to his impressive achievements with the club as both a player and coach, despite reports linking him to the French national team coaching job after Deschamps' departure following the 2026 World Cup.
Arbeloa is expected to remain in his position until the end of the current season, after which he will be officially dismissed and a new coach appointed at the start of the next season.
