CHansi is often a fixture at the top of European football, and there could be another big change on Real Madrid’s bench this summer. Amid heightened uncertainty following a difficult start to manager Alvaro Arbeloa’s tenure, club president Florentino Perez has already begun considering potential replacements, with Mauricio Pochettino reportedly one of the frontrunners.
Madrid announced Arbeloa as Xabi Alonso’s replacement on January 12, but the club did not reveal the length of Arbeloa’s contract.
The former Madrid and Liverpool defender was highly regarded at the Santiago Bernabéu for his work with the youth team, but sources say he was not widely seen within the club as a long-term solution.
Performance in the first few months did little to strengthen his position. For Arbeloa to remain in charge next season, a dramatic turnaround, perhaps even a chance of winning the Champions League, will be necessary, according to people close to the situation.
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Club officials are already preparing for major 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 their organization.
One of the options being discussed internally would allow him to remain at the club in another role, possibly returning to Real Madrid Castilla manager or becoming a first-team assistant.
Why Pochettino appeals to Real Madrid
Among the names being evaluated, Pochettino has emerged as a manager respected by Perez and several decision-makers at the club.
The Argentine coach is currently managing the U.S. men’s national soccer team and is under contract until this summer’s World Cup.
However, his long career in European club football has kept him on the radar of elite teams.
Pochettino previously made a name for himself at Tottenham Hotspur, leading the club to the 2019 Champions League final in 2019.
He then coached star-studded teams at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea before retiring from 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, with whom he spent time in Paris.
Over two seasons, Pochettino and Mbappé won several domestic trophies.
During his time at PSG, Pochettino helped the club win Ligue 1, the French Cup and the French Super Cup, while managing a team filled with world-class stars.
However, success in Europe remained elusive. PSG lost to Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League semi-finals and were eliminated by Real Madrid in the Round of 16 the following year.
Emery, Klopp and Allegri are candidates
Pochettino is not the only manager reportedly under consideration. Several big names have been involved in roles in the Spanish media, including Jurgen Klopp, Unai Emery and Massimiliano Allegri.
At the same time, Perez is believed to remain a strong fan of former Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, who led Madrid to multiple Champions League titles.
However, Zidane’s return may be unlikely. According to some reports, the French legend has already agreed to take charge of the French national football team after the upcoming World Cup cycle.
While previous signings were very successful, the verdict is still out on several recent additions, including Franco Mastantuono, Dean Huyssen and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Madrid ended last summer’s transfer window trophyless, increasing the pressure to deliver and spending more than £170m during the transfer window.
The season is nearing its decisive stage, but Arbeloa still has a chance to make an impact on his future. A strong finish and good results in the Champions League could change the club’s reputation.
