Best Real Madrid coaches after their first 10 LaLiga games
Few clubs in world football are judged as ruthlessly as Real Madrid, where even the smallest dip in form can cost a coach his job. But some managers have hit the ground running, delivering instant results in their first ten league games. From tactical masterminds to short-lived surprises, here’s a look at the best starts to a Real Madrid coaching tenure — ranked from tenth to first.
10. Carlos Queiroz (2003/04 – 2.30 points per game)
Carlos Queiroz’s time at Real Madrid began with optimism. The Portuguese coach, coming from Manchester United’s backroom staff, took charge of a team brimming with Galácticos. His side started solidly, averaging 2.3 points from the first ten league games. Madrid played attractive football but often lacked defensive balance. The initial promise faded later in the season, but Queiroz’s start showed glimpses of potential that couldn’t quite last.
9. López Caro (2005/06 – 2.30 points per game)
Juan Ramón López Caro was promoted from the Castilla team after Luxemburgo’s dismissal, inheriting a squad full of stars but short on direction. He managed to stabilize results early on, matching Queiroz’s 2.3 points per game in his first ten outings. His tactical approach emphasized control and discipline, though the team’s attacking spark was inconsistent. Despite a respectable start, Caro couldn’t convince the club to keep him beyond the season.
8. Zinedine Zidane (2015/16 – 2.30 points per game)
Zinedine Zidane’s first taste of management at Real Madrid began modestly before evolving into a historic era. His first ten games yielded an average of 2.3 points per match — not spectacular, but steady enough to build momentum. The Frenchman’s calm leadership and deep understanding of the dressing room quickly became evident. Within months, that same foundation would lead to Champions League glory and one of the club’s most successful periods.
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7. Vanderlei Luxemburgo (2004/05 – 2.40 points per game)
The Brazilian tactician Vanderlei Luxemburgo brought flair and structure to Madrid’s play upon arrival. His first ten LaLiga games produced 2.4 points on average, thanks to a balanced mix of attacking confidence and tactical discipline. He introduced his famous “magic square” formation to accommodate the club’s attacking stars. Though his tenure was short-lived, his early results demonstrated how adaptable he was to the European game.
6. Rafa Benítez (2015/16 – 2.40 points per game)
Rafa Benítez’s time at Real Madrid was brief and often criticized, but his first ten league games were far from disastrous. Averaging 2.4 points per match, his side was defensively organized and efficient. Critics argued that the team lacked the attacking flair expected of Madrid, yet results initially suggested stability. Unfortunately, the relationship between Benítez, the squad, and the fans deteriorated before his ideas could fully take shape.
5. Bernd Schuster (2007/08 – 2.50 points per game)
German manager Bernd Schuster made an immediate impact in the 2007/08 campaign. His Real Madrid side, built around confidence and technical brilliance, earned 2.5 points per game from their first ten fixtures. Schuster’s pragmatic style meshed well with Madrid’s attacking talents, leading to a strong start and eventually a LaLiga title that season. Despite his success, tensions behind the scenes meant his reign was short but memorable.
4. Manuel Pellegrini (2009/10 – 2.50 points per game)
Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Madrid tenure is often underrated, but his early results were impressive. With new signings like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema adapting to life in Spain, Pellegrini guided his team to 2.5 points per game from the opening ten matches. His attacking philosophy brought high-scoring victories, though defensive lapses would later cost him in crucial moments. Still, his start remains one of the most efficient in club history.
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3. José Mourinho (2010/11 – 2.60 points per game)
José Mourinho arrived at Real Madrid with the aura of a winner — and his early results backed it up. Averaging 2.6 points per match, he immediately imposed his defensive discipline and counterattacking brilliance. Under Mourinho, Madrid became organized, aggressive, and mentally tough, qualities that would define his era. Though his tenure eventually turned turbulent, his first months set the tone for a team that would soon challenge Barcelona’s dominance.
2. Juande Ramos (2008/09 – 2.70 points per game)
Juande Ramos may not be remembered as one of Madrid’s greats, but his start was nothing short of exceptional. Taking over mid-season, he revitalized a struggling squad, earning 2.7 points per game in his first ten league matches. His focus on defensive organization and quick transitions produced immediate results. Though the run couldn’t be sustained over the long term, Ramos deserves credit for his instant impact during a chaotic period.
1. Xabi Alonso (2025/26 – 2.70 points per game)
Xabi Alonso’s return to the Bernabéu as head coach has been nothing short of sensational. Matching Juande Ramos’ record with 2.7 points per game, Alonso has brought tactical intelligence and calm authority to a revitalized Real Madrid. His team blends structure with creativity, showing both discipline and flair in equal measure. With a perfect mix of youth and experience, Alonso’s debut months suggest the beginning of a promising new era for Los Blancos.
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