Real Madrid board considers Enzo Maresca as alternative after Xabi Alonso’s dismissal following Super Cup heartbreak against Barcelona.
Real Madrid have plunged into a managerial crisis following the shock dismissal of Xabi Alonso. The decision came less than 24 hours after a stinging defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, leaving the world’s most prestigious dugout vacant.
The Klopp Factor While Jürgen Klopp recently transitioned into a boardroom role as Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer, the allure of the Santiago Bernabéu might be enough to lure him back to the touchline.
According to German transfer expert Florian Plettenberg, Klopp remains “fascinated” by the project at Real Madrid. “Despite his strong commitment to Red Bull, if Real Madrid makes a concrete offer, Klopp would seriously consider it,” Plettenberg revealed. Klopp, who left Liverpool in 2024 citing exhaustion, is reportedly refreshed and could see the Madrid job as the ultimate final chapter in his coaching career.
Maresca and the Succession Plan If a deal for Klopp fails to materialize, Real Madrid are reportedly looking at Enzo Maresca. The Italian tactician is currently a free agent after a whirlwind stint at Chelsea, where he famously secured an unprecedented FIFA Club World Cup title in 2025. Maresca is also being tracked by Manchester City as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola, setting up a potential tug-of-war between the European giants.
]Xabi Alonso’s Bitter Exit The fallout from Xabi Alonso’s sacking has already begun. Reports from Cadena SER’s Antón Meana suggest that Alonso felt “unprotected” by the Madrid hierarchy.
Internally, Alonso reportedly warned the board that “you cannot give this much power to the players.” The Spaniard believes his authority in the locker room was undermined by the club’s tendency to side with its superstars during tactical disputes, making his position untenable in the long run.
