Real Madrid may have appointed Álvaro Arbeloa as head coach, but the board is already dreaming bigger. President Florentino Pérez has reportedly identified Jürgen Klopp as the ultimate priority to take over the club long-term, with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca also under consideration.
The dismissal of Xabi Alonso has opened a “luxury” vacancy at the Santiago Bernabéu. While Arbeloa is tasked with stabilizing the current season, Footmercato’s Santi Aouna reports that the club is looking for a world-class successor to build a new dynasty.
Klopp: The ‘Red Bull’ Obstacle
Jürgen Klopp is currently serving as the Head of Global Soccer for the Red Bull group, a role he started after his legendary tenure at Liverpool. While journalist Sacha Tavolieri suggests Klopp could be tempted by the allure of Madrid, the operation remains complex.
The Stance: RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff recently insisted that Klopp’s commitment is “total” and his contract contains no release clause.
The Desire: Despite the hurdles, Florentino Pérez views Klopp as the only manager with the charisma and tactical pedigree to manage the world’s most star-studded locker room.
Enzo Maresca: The ‘Plan B’
If Klopp remains unavailable, Real Madrid is keeping a close eye on Enzo Maresca. The Italian, who recently departed Chelsea, is highly admired by the Madrid hierarchy for his tactical flexibility and his ability to work under high pressure—a trait that became a breaking point for Xabi Alonso.
Klopp’s Final Liverpool Season (2023/24)
To understand why Madrid is so obsessed with the German, one only needs to look at his final year at Anfield:
- Record: 39 Wins, 11 Draws, 8 Losses (58 Games).
- Firepower: 142 goals scored.
- Legacy: He revitalized a squad in transition, a skill that Pérez believes is essential for Real Madrid’s aging midfield and evolving attack.
Arbeloa: A Shield or a Permanent Solution?
The big question remains: Is Arbeloa just a “shield” while the club negotiates with Klopp? If Arbeloa secures a Champions League title or a La Liga comeback, Florentino might find it difficult to replace him. However, the shadow of Jürgen Klopp will loom over every game Arbeloa manages from now until June.
