Real Madrid's management is reportedly considering potential replacements for Xabi Alonso amid growing doubts about his project, following a string of unconvincing performances. The club's hierarchy is said to have held meetings to discuss Alonso's future, with the upcoming Champions League match against Manchester City potentially being a decisive factor.
Alonso, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti last summer, initially enjoyed a successful start to the season. However, recent results have been concerning, including a 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo in La Liga. This loss, which saw Real Madrid end the match with nine players after two red cards, has intensified the pressure on the manager. The team has only managed two wins in their last seven matches across all competitions, leading to questions about Alonso's ability to turn things around.
Several names have emerged as potential candidates to replace Alonso. Among them are:
- Alvaro Arbeloa: The former Real Madrid defender, who currently coaches Castilla, is reportedly a strong contender, particularly for a short-term appointment. He is highly regarded within the club and has a proven track record of developing young talents from La Fabrica.
- Jürgen Klopp: The former Liverpool manager is also being considered. Despite currently serving as the Head of Global Football Development at Red Bull, his experience, authority, and tactical philosophy make him an appealing option for Real Madrid. However, securing his signature might be difficult, as he theoretically retired from management.
- Zinedine Zidane: The former Real Madrid coach has been linked with a return to the club for a third spell. However, reports suggest that Zidane is currently focused on taking over the France national team in 2026 after the World Cup.
The Real Madrid squad is rumored to be divided over Xabi Alonso's methods, with some players reportedly unconvinced by his approach. There have also been suggestions of friction between Alonso and certain players, including Vinicius Junior. According to reports, creating a balanced team that includes Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham has been challenging.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Alonso has called for unity and stressed that there is still a long way to go this season. He has also stated that he is focused on the upcoming match against Manchester City. The outcome of this game could be crucial in determining whether Alonso remains in charge of Real Madrid.
