The recent defeat of Real Madrid has reignited the doubts surrounding the new coach of the royal team, Alvaro Arbeloa. The club's management is indeed considering a change in leadership and is discussing several names according to reports.
After their 4-2 defeat to Benfica yesterday in Lisbon, the Madrid team failed to qualify directly and will now have to go through the play-offs to continue their European campaign. This latest blow has heightened the doubts surrounding Alvaro Arbeloa.
Since taking over from Xabi Alonso, the team has gone through a tough period. They were knocked out of the King's Cup immediately after his arrival, then followed by a shorter but more comforting period with three encouraging games… before this humiliating defeat in Europe. The results have been extremely inconsistent, and some within the club have begun to doubt his capabilities.
In Spain, media sources suggest that Real Madrid's management is indeed thinking about the team's future after Arbeloa and intends to let him go this summer. The expected scenario, now confirmed, is that Alvaro will remain on the bench as an interim coach until the end of the season. Three names have emerged as possible replacements.
Klopp the First Choice
The German Jürgen Klopp is currently the director of global football within the organizational structure of the Red Bull group. His name has been circulating in the corridors of Real Madrid for several months, and his resume is extremely attractive to president Florentino Perez.
The innate leadership, high standards, and ability to create a strong dynamic in the locker room: everything the currently unstable club is looking for.
In a previous statement, Klopp said: "I'm not worried when I hear that Real Madrid is interested in me, it's just speculation. As for returning to coaching.. at the moment, I say no, but I can't be certain of that. I don't think I will change my mind, but nothing is impossible..."
Unai Emery, the Surprising Choice
Unai Emery has extensive European experience, tactical discipline, and tireless work ethics. He has proven his ability as a competent coach capable of building a strong team, and is currently the primary target for Real Madrid, according to journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon.
Emery may be less glamorous than Klopp, but he offers greater immediate stability, as well as being an experienced coach in the Spanish league.
Mourinho, the Coach's Return?
It is ironic that the Portuguese José Mourinho, the current coach of Benfica team, succeeded in defeating Real Madrid 4-2 yesterday, Wednesday, in the last round of the league stage.
Mourinho, the former coach of the royal club, who still enjoys great respect from a section of the fans, embodies the "iron fist" that many demand at Bernabeu.
A brilliant leader, capable of managing personalities, controlling the locker room, and reviving a winning culture with his unique methods. For some fans, Mourinho is still the ideal man to bring about radical change in a team desperately in need of leadership. For others, the Portuguese coach is no longer what he used to be, and his best years are behind him. This is another controversial choice.
