Who Will Replace Alvaro Arbeloa? 5 Top Candidates for Real Madrid

The position of Real Madrid 's coach under Alvaro Arbeloa remains uncertain as the 2025/26 Champions League season enters its crucial stages. Since taking over in January, following Xabi Alonso's mid-season departure, Arbeloa has been under considerable pressure due to recent setbacks, including defeats to Mallorca in LaLiga and Bayern Munich in the 2025/26 Champions League quarter-finals .

Currently, Real Madrid are 7 points behind Barcelona in LaLiga, have been eliminated from the Copa del Rey, and finished second in the Supercopa de España. A trophyless season is looming, and this is prompting the club's management to consider changing coaches next summer.

Here are five of the most promising candidates if Real Madrid decide to find a replacement for Alvaro Arbeloa .

5. Andoni Iraola

Andoni Iraola is a promising candidate for Real Madrid , with 12 years of experience playing in LaLiga with Athletic Bilbao. Currently managing Bournemouth, Iraola has demonstrated sophisticated tactical thinking in the Premier League.

He was previously considered as a replacement for Carlo Ancelotti but decided to stay at Bournemouth. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Iraola will be one of the most sought-after managers next summer. However, his lack of experience managing top teams could be a major drawback if he takes the job at Bernabéu.

4. Julian Nagelsmann

Julian Nagelsmann, the young German coach, is renowned for his tactical innovation. At the age of 38, he has led Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, and Bayern Munich with impressive achievements.

Currently leading Germany to Euro 2028, Nagelsmann would need to negotiate an early departure if he wanted to return to Madrid. Never having managed a team outside of Germany could be a challenge, but his tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent make him an attractive option for Real Madrid 's future .

3. Massimiliano Allegri

Massimiliano Allegri has extensive experience at major clubs such as Juventus and AC Milan. He is known for his pragmatic and effective playing style and his ability to manage players with strong personalities.

Despite some criticism of his cautious playing style, Allegri has won numerous domestic titles and possesses the credibility to manage a major club. He is currently in his second season managing AC Milan and has one year remaining on his contract, which could hinder transfer activity. However, Allegri's experience and authority still make him a worthy candidate.

2. Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp could be a "dream" signing for Real Madrid . The 58-year-old former Liverpool manager is currently taking on an off-field role at Red Bull's network of clubs.

With his pressing style and fast-paced attacking football, Klopp could breathe new life into Madrid and reunite with players like Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, the likelihood of him leaving his current job is very low, so the chance of him becoming Real Madrid's coach remains uncertain, although if successful, it would be a huge boost.

1. Mauricio Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino tops the list of candidates. The 54-year-old Argentinian coach is expected to leave his position at USMNT after the World Cup, opening the door to a return to the pitch. He previously managed PSG and Chelsea, overseeing star-studded squads and achieving a 65% win rate with PSG.

Despite not having managed a Spanish team for a long time since leaving Espanyol in 2012, Pochettino is still highly regarded for his tactical ability, player management, and discipline. He has never ruled out the possibility of managing Real Madrid , making him the most realistic and attractive option to replace Alvaro Arbeloa .

Summary of 5 Candidates to Lead Real Madrid

Class Candidate Current Location Strengths Challenge

5 Andoni Iraola Bournemouth LaLiga experience, tactical thinking Lack of experience at top clubs.

4 Julian Nagelsmann Germany national team Creative tactics for child development. Never managed a club outside of Germany.

3 Massimiliano Allegri AC Milan European experience, authority Cautious playing style, contract still valid.

2 Jurgen Klopp Red Bull Network Pressing style, managing big players. Difficulty leaving current job

1 Mauricio Pochettino USMNT Tactics, player management It's been a long time since I managed a club in Spain.

FAQ

1. Why might Alvaro Arbeloa leave Real Madrid?

Recent failures and the risk of a trophyless season have led the management to consider changes.

2. Who is the candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa?

Pochettino, Klopp, Allegri, Nagelsmann, Iraola.

3. Is Jurgen Klopp capable of managing Real Madrid?

The chances are slim, but if you want to, Madrid is an attractive option.

4. Does Pochettino have experience managing La Liga?

He hasn't managed LaLiga for a long time, but he has extensive experience at big clubs and managing star players.