Real Madrid’s search for a permanent successor to Xabi Alonso has taken an intriguing turn, with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca emerging as a prime candidate alongside Jürgen Klopp.
Following the shock dismissal of Alonso on Monday morning triggered by a painful Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona the hierarchy at the Santiago Bernabéu is working overtime to define the club’s future. While Jürgen Klopp remains the “dream” appointment for Florentino Pérez, the Italian tactician Enzo Maresca has now firmly entered the conversation.
The “Santi Aouna” Report: Why Maresca?
According to renowned journalist Santi Aouna, Real Madrid is seriously evaluating Maresca’s profile. Having recently departed Chelsea, the Italian is currently a free agent, making him a more accessible option than Klopp, who is currently tied to a global role with the Red Bull (RB Leipzig) group.
The Madrid board reportedly admires Maresca’s tactical flexibility and his experience in high-pressure environments. Despite the mixed end to his tenure in London, his coaching pedigree is highly regarded by the Los Blancos leadership, who believe his football philosophy could align well with the current squad.
Arbeloa: The Interim with a Chance to Stay
While the names of Klopp and Maresca dominate the headlines, the immediate future of the team rests with club legend Álvaro Arbeloa.
The former defender has been promoted from the youth ranks to serve as interim manager. However, the board has not ruled out a “Zidane-style” trajectory for Arbeloa. If the Spaniard delivers immediate results and stabilizes the dressing room during the second half of the season, there is a strong possibility he could be appointed permanently, potentially shelving the plans for an external hire until 2027.
Decision Time: January or June?
Real Madrid currently finds itself at a crossroads. The management is debating two distinct strategies:
- Immediate Appointment: Opening formal talks with Maresca or Klopp to take over this January.
- The Waiting Game: Sticking with Arbeloa until the end of the season to evaluate the market more thoroughly in the summer.
As of today, no official negotiations have started, but the inclusion of Enzo Maresca on the shortlist proves that Real Madrid is looking for a modern, innovative coach to lead their next project.
