Real Madrid Draw Up Successor List as Doubts Grow Over Xabi Alonso’s Future

Real Madrid have prepared a four-man managerial shortlist amid growing uncertainty about Xabi Alonso’s future at the club. 

According to reports, the Madrid higher-ups held an emergency meeting to discuss Alonso’s fate after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Following the discussion, they have reportedly issued Alonso an ultimatum. If Real Madrid cannot beat Manchester City in their Champions League meeting on Wednesday, a new manager could take charge of the team.

Meanwhile, Alonso could move to the Premier League, with Liverpool emerging as a viable destination.

Real Madrid Have Four Coaches in Mind to Replace Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title without suffering a single defeat in 2023/24. But his Real Madrid stint has proven to be a lot more challenging.

Between rumours about disharmony inside the dressing room and underwhelming performances, Los Blancos are looking for a fresh start. And these four managers are on their list of favourites.

Zinedine Zidane

Successfully managing Real Madrid goes well beyond strategy. Managing a dressing room full of world-class players poses an even bigger challenge.

Zinedine Zidane understood that better than most. The Frenchman knew what made his players tick and had complete control of the dressing room – something Xabi Alonso has struggled with.

Alonso insists the dressing room is united, but Zidane never let that doubt creep in during his tenure.

If Zidane returns for a third stint, youth development may take a backseat, hurting chances of long-term success. But his experience and familiarity with the ways of the club could secure short-term gains.

Andoni Iraola

Before Xabi Alonso came on board, Real Madrid were heavily linked with Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola. However, the move ultimately did not materialise, as Madrid went with one of their own.

With a big question mark hanging over Alonso’s future, Iraola’s name has reappeared on the Real Madrid shortlist. Iraola took Bournemouth to a ninth-place finish last season – their best ever in the Premier League.

While the Cherries have not been as successful this season, Real Madrid maintain their admiration for Iraola.

Having coached Rayo Vallecano between 2020/21 and 2022/23, Iraola is familiar with all the nuances of LaLiga. His brand of “organised chaos” is also guaranteed to entertain Madridistas.

However, considering the resistance Alonso has faced from some Real Madrid stars, Iraola could also have a hard time instilling his ways.

Alvaro Arbeloa

Real Madrid love to promote their own, and Alvaro Arbeloa could be the next beneficiary of this strategy.

Arbeloa knows the club inside out, would cost the least, and would give the hierarchy a virtually frictionless transition.

However, Arbeloa is untested at the top.

He has only managed Real Madrid Castilla in 18 matches (W 10, D 2, L 6) and is still finding his feet. He may not be ready yet to manage a club of Madrid’s stature.

At this time, Arbeloa seems more like a stopgap fix than a long-term solution.

Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp’s name generates the most excitement in the corridors of Real Madrid.

The legendary German manager left his Liverpool job at the end of the 2023/24 season and has been operating as the Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH since January 2025.

On paper, a move to Real Madrid cannot be ruled out, but the club have to make systemic changes to accommodate him. He would seek complete control over transfers and player selections, which has historically been an issue with president Florentino Perez.

Additionally, Klopp’s heavy metal football demands complete commitment from the players. He asks each of his players, star or not, to press hard and help out in defence – something Xabi Alonso has struggled to impose this season.

Finally, there is a good chance that Klopp may not show interest in succeeding Alonso. He has been vocal about spending more time with family, and managing Real Madrid is an all-consuming job.