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| Two Former Premier League Managers Emerge as Top Candidates to Lead Real Madrid This Summer. |
Real Madrid are once again at the center of global football headlines. This time, it’s not about star signings, but the manager’s seat at the Santiago Bernabéu that’s heating up fast. Two well-known names from the Premier League are reportedly leading the race to become Real Madrid’s next head coach this summer: former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp and ex-Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
The speculation follows Real Madrid’s surprising decision to part ways with Xabi Alonso. The Spanish coach lasted just seven months into a three-year contract, with a dramatic 3–2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final marking the end of his tenure. That short spell places Alonso among the shortest-serving managers under club president Florentino Pérez.
As an immediate solution, Real Madrid promoted Castilla coach Álvaro Arbeloa to take charge of the first team. The former club defender has been handed a one-year deal, showing the club’s short-term trust in his leadership.
However, that trust comes with clear expectations. If Arbeloa fails to deliver strong results in the second half of the 2025–26 season, Real Madrid are unlikely to hesitate in making another big managerial change. And that’s where world-class names come into the picture.
Klopp and Maresca on Real Madrid’s Shortlist
According to Sky Sport Germany, Real Madrid have placed both Jürgen Klopp and Enzo Maresca on their shortlist should they decide to appoint a new manager this summer. Zinedine Zidane was initially considered the preferred option, but those plans reportedly shifted as Zidane is widely expected to take over the France national team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Klopp, who currently serves as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer, is said to be open to seriously considering the Real Madrid job if Florentino Pérez personally approaches him. That said, no official talks have taken place so far, something Klopp himself has publicly confirmed.
The German coach has also made it clear that Xabi Alonso’s departure had nothing to do with him, putting early rumors to rest.
Jürgen Klopp Remains a Fan Favorite Inside Real Madrid
Even without actively managing a club, Klopp remains one of the most respected coaches in world football. After stepping down from Liverpool ahead of the 2024–25 season, he left behind an impressive legacy at Anfield, having won seven major trophies, including the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
While Klopp has repeatedly stated that he is enjoying time away from the touchline, Real Madrid could be a special case. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Klopp has many admirers within the club and is highly valued by Real Madrid’s internal decision-makers.
Still, the club will only move forward if Klopp himself signals a genuine desire to return to coaching. For now, the next step depends entirely on the former Liverpool manager.
Enzo Maresca Offers a Modern Alternative
Enzo Maresca may not carry the same global profile as Klopp, but his recent achievements have not gone unnoticed. The Italian coach guided Chelsea to Club World Cup glory last summer after defeating Paris Saint-Germain in the final, proving his ability to win silverware on the biggest stage.
Despite that success, Maresca’s time at Chelsea ended abruptly. He left the club on New Year’s Day following an irreparable breakdown in his relationship with the club’s hierarchy.
While his links to Real Madrid are less concrete, Maresca is viewed as a modern, tactically flexible coach, qualities that align well with Madrid’s long-term football philosophy.
Real Madrid’s Coaching Future Still Wide Open
For now, Real Madrid are giving Álvaro Arbeloa the opportunity to prove himself. If results are positive and performances improve, he could remain in charge for the 2026–27 season.
But if the team struggles, fans should brace themselves for a major appointment. Whether it’s Jürgen Klopp, Enzo Maresca, or another surprise name entirely, one thing is certain: Real Madrid never compromise when it comes to ambition.
This summer could mark yet another dramatic chapter in the history of the world’s most successful football club.