Real Madrid have officially set their sights on Jürgen Klopp as the definitive answer to their managerial crisis, following the high-profile dismissal of Xabi Alonso.
While Álvaro Arbeloa has been promoted from the Castilla ranks to lead the first team for the remainder of the season, the shadow of the legendary German manager looms large over the Santiago Bernabéu. According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Klopp is now a “serious target” for President Florentino Pérez after it emerged that the former Liverpool boss is eager to end his sabbatical and return to the dugout.
Why Klopp is the “Florentino Dream”
For Pérez, Klopp isn’t just a coach; he is a specialist in managing elite talent. With a dressing room featuring Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Madrid needs a figure with the charisma and tactical pedigree to balance world-class egos.
Although no formal contract has been signed, the board views Klopp as the architect who can build a new era of dominance in both La Liga and the Champions League starting next season.
The Arbeloa Interim: A Return to “Ancelotti-style” Management
While the dream remains Klopp, the reality at Valdebebas is now in the hands of Álvaro Arbeloa. The former Madrid defender, who took over Castilla in mid-2025, brings a healthy 56.5% win rate to the senior team.
Tactically, Arbeloa is expected to provide a “breath of fresh air” by moving away from Xabi Alonso’s rigid system. His approach is reportedly inspired by Carlo Ancelotti, prioritizing player flexibility and a more relaxed, trusting relationship with the squad something that was sorely lacking during Alonso’s final months.
The Final Straw for Xabi Alonso
Alonso’s tenure reached its breaking point following the 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. It was the third consecutive time Madrid finished as runners-up to their arch-rivals, a statistic that Florentino Pérez found unacceptable.
Combined with reports of a fractured relationship with the squad and unconvincing on-field performances, Alonso’s exit became inevitable. Now, as Arbeloa prepares to steady the ship, the football world awaits to see if the lure of the “White House” will be enough to bring Jürgen Klopp back to the sidelines.
