New potential replacement for Real Madrid coming up

Growing uncertainty around Real Madrid’s direction

Uncertainty is increasing inside Real Madrid as the season approaches its decisive months and the club evaluates its long term sporting direction.

According to ESPN, Real Madrid have already begun studying the coaching market ahead of the summer, when significant structural changes could take place at the Santiago Bernabéu. The potential overhaul may extend beyond the bench and also affect figures involved in recruitment and sporting strategy.

The discussions come after a season that has fallen short of expectations for the Spanish giants. Real Madrid currently trail Barcelona by four points in La Liga and have yet to secure a major trophy.

Arbeloa appointment was never seen as a long term solution

Real Madrid confirmed the appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa as first team coach on Jan. 12 following the departure of Xabi Alonso.

Read also: Gianni Infantino see no problems with World Cup 2026: War has no saying

Arbeloa, a former defender for both Real Madrid and Liverpool, had previously been highly regarded within the club for his work developing young players. According to ESPN, his reputation at Valdebebas was built largely through his coaching work with the club’s youth teams.

However, several sources told ESPN that Arbeloa was never viewed internally as a long term managerial solution.

Despite attempts to reshape the team’s approach with quicker vertical passing and increased opportunities for younger players, results have remained inconsistent. According to sources cited by ESPN, Arbeloa would likely need an extraordinary turnaround, possibly including a Champions League triumph, to have a realistic chance of keeping the job next season.

Some sources also indicated that the club could still offer Arbeloa another role if he leaves the first team. One option under discussion would allow him to return to coaching Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve side.

Read also: Koeman claims credit for Pedri discovery as Messi link resurfaces

Pochettino emerges as a serious candidate

Mauricio Pochettino is among the managers being considered as Real Madrid evaluate candidates to lead a new sporting project.

According to ESPN, the Argentine coach is highly regarded by club president Florentino Pérez. Pochettino is currently in charge of the United States men’s national team, with his contract running through this summer’s World Cup.

The 53 year old has extensive experience in European football after spells at Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea. During his time at Tottenham, he guided the club to the Champions League final in 2019.

One factor reportedly valued by Real Madrid is Pochettino’s previous work with Kylian Mbappé. The two worked together for two seasons at Paris Saint Germain.

Read also: War chaos threatens Iraq’s World Cup dream as coach Arnold begs FIFA for help

According to ESPN, Pochettino won three domestic trophies with Mbappé in Paris, Ligue 1, the French Cup and the French Super Cup. However, his teams did not manage to secure the Champions League title, losing to Manchester City in the semifinals in 2021 and later being eliminated by Real Madrid in the round of sixteen in 2022.

Pochettino also has familiarity with Spanish football from his playing days in La Liga, something that may further strengthen his profile as a candidate.

Wider coaching shortlist taking shape

While Pochettino is among the most prominent names discussed internally, Real Madrid are evaluating a wider range of candidates.

According to Spanish media reports cited by AS and Marca, several experienced coaches have been linked with the position in recent weeks. These include Jürgen Klopp, Unai Emery and Massimiliano Allegri.

Read also: Paul Scholes reveals text to Michael Carrick after Man United comment

The possibility of a return for Zinedine Zidane has also been mentioned. However, according to ESPN, some sources believe the Frenchman has already reached an agreement to take charge of the French national team after the next World Cup.

Pochettino has also been linked with a possible return to Tottenham this summer. However, according to ESPN, Tottenham’s difficult season and involvement in a Premier League relegation battle could complicate those discussions.

Transfer strategy and recruitment also under review

The coaching position is not the only area under review at Real Madrid ahead of what many expect to be a busy summer.

According to ESPN, the club invested more than £170 million during last summer’s transfer window after finishing the previous campaign without major trophies. Despite the heavy spending, some of the signings have not yet delivered the impact the club hoped for.

Read also: Mercedes engine controversy sparks FIA rule change in Formula 1

Several sources told ESPN that the position of head scout Juni Calafat is also being examined.

Calafat previously earned praise for identifying and recruiting several key players who later became central to Real Madrid’s success, including Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Éder Militão and Jude Bellingham.

However, according to ESPN, the jury is still out on some of the most recent arrivals, including Franco Mastantuono, Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander Arnold.

A source told ESPN that Florentino Pérez maintains a strong relationship with Calafat, but that relationship alone may not guarantee his future if Real Madrid finish a second consecutive season without silverware.

Pressure building ahead of a decisive summer

With expectations always high at the Santiago Bernabéu, the coming months could prove decisive for several figures within the club.

According to ESPN and Spanish media outlets, Real Madrid’s leadership is now weighing both short term solutions and long term structural changes as it prepares for the next phase of the project.

Whether that process ultimately leads to a new coach, a reshaped recruitment department, or a broader sporting reset may become clear once the season reaches its conclusion.

Sources: ESPN