Liverpool icon Jurgen Klopp and former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca are both on Real Madrid's radar as the club looks to secure a permanent replacement for Xabi Alonso
Aaron Morris Senior Sports Reporter and Mark Wakefield
12:26, 16 Jan 2026Updated 12:40, 16 Jan 2026
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp
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Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the Real Madrid manager's job(Image: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire)
Enzo Maresca has surfaced as a potential candidate to take charge at Real Madrid, with Jurgen Klopp also being touted for the recently-available managerial position.
Xabi Alonso departed the club by "mutual agreement" earlier this week, merely seven-and-a-half months into his tenure in the Spanish capital. Although he steered Bayer Leverkusen to Bundesliga glory, plus DFB-Pokal and DFL Supercup triumphs in 2024, Alonso's stint at the Bernabeu proved far less successful - leaving Los Blancos empty-handed in terms of trophies.
Alvaro Arbeloa has taken temporary charge whilst Real Madrid search for a permanent replacement. Nevertheless, the hierarchy may be keen to move quickly in securing a more experienced manager for the role.
Real Madrid's Spanish coach Xabi Alonso reacts during the Spanish Super Cup final football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah on January 11, 2026. (Photo by Fadel SENNA / AFP via Getty Images)
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Xabi Alonso left Real Madrid earlier this month(Image: AFP or licensors)
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Arbeloa presided over a 3-2 defeat to Segunda Division outfit Albacete in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, a result Spanish press branded a "total debacle."
According to Sky Sports, Klopp is being considered for a full-time role with the La Liga giants, with club officials discussing the German - who achieved remarkable success at Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool - behind closed doors.
Nevertheless, with Klopp committed to Red Bull as Global Sports Director, it may prove challenging to lure the 58-year-old back into management.
Conversely, it's thought that Klopp would only consider returning to coaching with Real Madrid or the German national side, but solely if circumstances align perfectly for him. Currently, there have been no formal discussions between Real Madrid and Klopp.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Maresca is also being considered by the club, having left Chelsea – who have subsequently appointed Liam Rosenior – at the start of the year.
The Italian had achieved considerable success at Stamford Bridge before his exit, steering the Blues to UEFA Conference League glory in May before securing the Club World Cup this summer.
Nevertheless, due to inconsistent performances, Chelsea confirmed they had parted ways with the 45-year-old on New Year's Day. The club released a statement saying: "Chelsea Football Club and Head Coach Enzo Maresca have parted company.
"During his time at the Club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Those achievements will remain an important part of the Club’s recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the Club.
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea walks on the pitch after the Premier League match between Chelsea and Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on December 30, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
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Enzo Maresca left Chelsea earlier this month(Image: Eddie Keogh, Getty Images)
"With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the Club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track. We wish Enzo well for the future."
Maresca also posted his own message on social media, which stated: "'LEAVE THIS WORLD A LITTLE BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT'. My journey with Chelsea began with the preliminary rounds of the Conference League. I leave with the inner peace of leaving a prestigious club like Chelsea where it deserves to be.
"I want to thank all the Chelsea fans for their support over the last 18 months. Support that was crucial to achieving Champions League qualification, winning the Conference League, and winning the Club World Cup. Victories that I will always hold in my heart!
"A special thank you to all the players who have accompanied me on this wonderful journey. I wish everyone who has shared every moment with me every success in this second half of the season and in the future. Thank you, CHELSEA from me and my family."
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Real Madrid isn't the sole destination that Maresca has been touted for following his departure from Chelsea, though. Maresca has also been mentioned in connection with Manchester United after Ruben Amorim's exit earlier this month.
With Michael Carrick now taking charge as interim head coach for the rest of the campaign, it seems improbable that the Red Devils will seek to name a permanent replacement for Amorim before the summer.