Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has reportedly included two former Chelsea managers on his summer wishlist, as the club begin preparing for Xabi Alonso’s long-term succession.
Madrid have appointed Alvaro Arbeloa as Alonso’s replacement on an interim basis, with the former right-back taking charge as caretaker rather than on a long-term deal.
Los Blancos reportedly want to sign an established manager in the summer transfer window to return to the top of the food chain of European football.
Real Madrid Prepare Shortlist As Hunt for Ideal Manager Continues
There was a lot of expectation when Xabi Alonso returned to the Santiago Bernabeu.
He had done the seemingly impossible at Bayer Leverkusen in 2023/24, firing them to the Bundesliga title without losing a single match. And there was hope he would have a similar impact at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, he could not make the impact Florentino Perez expected and was sacked after only seven months. Ramon Calderon has questioned Perez’s “presidentialist” decision-making, but the Madrid supremo refuses to slow down.
Alonso’s successor, Alvaro Arbeloa, is seen as a temporary solution, as Madrid are more keen on signing managers who have proven themselves at the highest level.
Xabi Alonso is the latest Real Madrid manager this century to last less than 50 games pic.twitter.com/PLK7qF1S47
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 12, 2026
Klopp and Two Chelsea Coaches on Madrid’s Radar
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes.net, Real Madrid have shortlisted former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and ex-Chelsea managers, Antonio Conte and Enzo Maresca.
Klopp is at the top of their managerial wishlist, as the German not only has an admirable track record but also plays an attractive brand of football.
Madridistas have been longing for an attack-minded coach, and Klopp reportedly fits the profile. He is also considered the best option to make the most of the players’ physical attributes.
Conte is seen as the manager with a firm hand. Perez feels an imposing manager could work after recent episodes of indiscipline. The Real Madrid president is confident that Conte would leave Napoli immediately if Real Madrid made a move.
Some Real Madrid players got some messages for xabi Alonso pic.twitter.com/yQplKtTvZ6
— TINA (@Tina_RM5) January 12, 2026
His excellent defensive organisation makes him an attractive option for the Real Madrid hierarchy.
Lastly, there is Maresca, who is the least experienced of the lot. The Italian has just been sacked, but Maresca’s record at Chelsea is far from underwhelming, with him winning the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Real Madrid are enticed by the modernness of Maresca’s ideas and believe he could unlock the potential of their young team.
Los Merengues will keep a close eye on the team’s development under Arbeloa. If the Spaniard fails to meet expectations, Real Madrid could make a significant effort to bring in a qualified manager during the summer transfer window.
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