Real Madrid are considering Enzo Maresca and Jurgen Klopp as potential successors to Xabi Alonso, who left the Bernabeu after just seven and a half months in charge. Alonso, despite a treble-winning 2024 with Bayer Leverkusen, failed to secure any trophies with Los Blancos. Alvaro Arbeloa has taken interim charge but oversaw a 3-2 Copa del Rey defeat to Segunda Division side Albacete, described as a 'total debacle' by Spanish media.
Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager, is reportedly under consideration by Real Madrid's hierarchy. However, Klopp currently serves as Red Bull's global sports director, a role he is heavily committed to. Sources suggest he would only consider a return to management for Real Madrid or the German national team, and only under the right conditions. No formal talks have taken place.
Enzo Maresca, who departed Chelsea earlier this year, is also on Real Madrid's radar. The Italian led Chelsea to Europa Conference League glory in May and the Club World Cup in the summer, but inconsistent performances led to a mutual parting on New Year's Day. Chelsea's statement thanked Maresca for his contributions, noting that a change was deemed best for the season's objectives.
Maresca posted a heartfelt message on social media, thanking fans and players, and expressing pride in leaving Chelsea 'where it deserves to be'. Since leaving Stamford Bridge, he has also been linked with Manchester United, following Ruben Amorim's sacking. However, with Michael Carrick appointed interim manager for the season, a permanent move to Old Trafford seems unlikely until the summer.
