Real Madrid Eyes Coaching Changes Amidst Challenges

omidbasir- In early 2026, La Liga giants Real Madrid made a significant change in their coaching staff, parting ways with World Cup-winning manager Alonso after just a few months at the helm. This decision followed a challenging summer in 2025.

Currently, Álvaro Arbeloa has taken over managerial duties but has faced setbacks, including a humiliating defeat in the Copa del Rey against Albacete and a failure to secure automatic qualification for the Champions League’s Round of 16.

As Real Madrid contemplates the future, it is clear that they will seek a more experienced head coach. Reports indicate that Unai Emery, known for his successful tenure with Sevilla where he won three Europa League titles, is highly regarded by the club’s hierarchy.

Emery, a client of prominent agent Jorge Mendes, maintains a discreet stance regarding his future. When questioned about Real Madrid’s interest, he remarked, “Nothing to say about it.”

Spanish media has suggested that Emery is the frontrunner for the Real Madrid position, even as former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is reportedly considering a return to coaching. Klopp, currently serving as the Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull, has also garnered appreciation from within the Madrid organization.

Fabrizio Romano recently discussed the dynamics surrounding Klopp’s potential return to management, noting that Arbeloa’s initial game resulted in a loss, but it does not significantly alter his prospects at the club. He emphasized that Arbeloa will face critical tests in the Champions League and La Liga that will influence his future.

Moreover, there are indications that Klopp has specific demands, including the departure of three senior players, before he would consider taking charge at Real Madrid. Notably, Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior appears to be incompatible with Klopp’s style, while Franco Mastantuono and Brahim Diaz are also potential candidates for transfer.

Ramon Alvarez de Mon has suggested that Emery is now a favored choice among many at the Bernabeu, indicating that conversations regarding his availability have already commenced, should the club opt for a coaching change at the season’s end.

After a challenging period leading Arsenal from 2018 to 2019, Emery returned to English football with Aston Villa in November 2022. He has since managed 173 games for the club, nearing his 100th victory. Under his leadership, Villa has qualified for continental competitions and is currently performing well in the Premier League, sitting third in the table and competing closely with Manchester City and Arsenal, as they pursue further success in the FA Cup and Europa League.