Real Madrid appointed Xabi Alonso, 43, as head coach in late May 2025, but his first test – a Club World Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain – ended in a 4-0 thrashing. Alonso immediately said the team needed a “restart from zero” after that loss, fueling speculation about his tenure. We examine why pundits are already asking who might eventually succeed Alonso.
Current Real Madrid Manager
Real confirmed Alonso as their new manager from June 2025, on a three-year contract through 2028, after Carlo Ancelotti’s exit. Alonso, 43, joins with a stellar record from Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga and German Cup champion). He inherits a squad of stars like Vinícius Jr and Jude Bellingham, and will need to rejuvenate an aging side. In his first competitive match, Real suffered a sobering 4-0 semi-final loss to PSG. Alonso admitted that Madrid had to “start from scratch” after the defeat. The outing underscored the challenges ahead: Real had ended 2024/25 trophyless (runners-up in La Liga and Copa del Rey), so the new coach faces instant pressure. At a club with such high expectations, each result will be heavily scrutinized.
Reasons for Xabi Alonso departure
Alonso himself conceded Real had “lots of room for improvement” after the loss, saying the team needed a “restart from zero” after that defeat. Even Carlo Ancelotti praised him as “one of the best coaches” with “the doors open” at Madrid, but fans’ patience is limited. Real finished 2024/25 without a trophy, and the star-studded squad had shown “affection for Ancelotti” during a disappointing campaign. Alonso’s pedigree is unquestioned, but he has never managed such a constellation of stars. In Madrid’s win-now culture, coaches are judged quickly: each defeat or trophyless season increases pressure. The board expects an overhaul, but not at the expense of silverware, so every draw or loss will be scrutinized. In short, Alonso must secure results fast or risk falling out of favor. Real’s history leaves little margin for error: even Carlo’s two-and-a-half-year reign only ended when he chose to leave. Should Alonso falter, speculation about successors will intensify quickly.
Who will be the next Real Madrid manager?
No replacement has been announced while Alonso still leads the team, but pundits are already naming potential successors. For example, Spanish and British outlets reported Pochettino as “Real’s #1 candidate” back in 2021. Other names mentioned include veterans like José Mourinho and Massimiliano Allegri. In general, any new manager is expected to be a proven winner. The table below lists leading contenders and their credentials:
| Candidate | Current Position | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Mauricio Pochettino | Manager, USA NT | Led Tottenham to 2019 UCL final; won Ligue 1 titles with PSG; known for youth development. |
| José Mourinho | Manager, Fenerbahçe (Turkey) | 2× Champions League winner (Porto 2004, Inter 2010); La Liga winner with Real (2003). |
| Massimiliano Allegri | AC Milan | 8× Serie A champion and 2× Italian Cup winner; reached 2015 and 2017 UCL finals. |
| Luis Enrique | Manager, Paris Saint-Germain | 3× La Liga champion (Barcelona); UEFA Euro 2012 winner (Spain coach), UEFA Champions League winner (PSG). |
| Julen Lopetegui | Manager, Qatar NT | Former Real/Spain coach; won UEFA CL as player (2002); coached Porto to a title. |
Mauricio Pochettino – the main contender for the position
The 51-year-old Argentine has been widely cited as a top candidate (Daily Mail even called him Real’s “#1” choice). He is currently has a strong résumé: he led Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final and won multiple French titles with Paris Saint-Germain. Pochettino speaks Spanish and favours an aggressive, attacking style and youth development – traits that fit Real’s ambitions.
José Mourinho – contender No. 2
The 61-year-old Portuguese is a proven winner and former Real coach (2002–04, winning La Liga 2003). He currently manages Fenerbahçe in Turkey. Mourinho won the Champions League twice (with Porto and Inter) and is known for his charismatic leadership. Many believe he could handle Real’s superstar roster. His confrontational style is polarizing, but if results dip, Pérez might view Mourinho’s trophy pedigree as a safe bet.
Massimiliano Allegri – contender No. 3
The 56-year-old Italian is currently work at AC Milan. Allegri won eight Serie A titles and two Italian Cups in his Juventus tenure, and reached two Champions League finals (2015, 2017). He’s known for adapting tactics to his squad and maintaining defensive solidity. Real nearly hired him in 2021, and despite never winning the UCL, his domestic pedigree and calm approach make him an attractive option if the club seeks experience.
Current Club Situation and Expectations for the New Real Madrid Manager
Real’s expectations are clear: the next manager must sustain Madrid’s high standards. As a Spanish report notes, the coach will be responsible for keeping the team competitive and quickly adapting to a squad he didn’t assemble. There is no tolerance for a prolonged rebuild. After a trophyless 2024/25, anything short of La Liga or Champions League success next season would be seen as unacceptable. In practice, Real will demand silverware from their new coach from day one.
Tips GG Expert Opinions and Predictions
Many pundits tip Pochettino as the frontrunner, with Mourinho and Allegri also often mentioned. Ultimately, Madrid will choose whoever can deliver trophies. Alonso remains in charge, and any “favorite” is speculative until results dictate otherwise.