After a season that’s fallen far short of Real Madrid’s standards, pressure is beginning to build around the direction of the club and, more specifically, Álvaro Arbeloa’s position in the dugout. The Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich has only intensified scrutiny, with sections of the fanbase wanting Arbeloa sacked immediately. The Athletic have even reported that it is ‘very likely’ that he will be sacked.

Madrid rarely tolerate prolonged underachievement, and with silverware off the table for a second season in a row, attention has quickly turned to potential successors. The betting markets, as listed by Bet365, reflect a wide range of profiles tipped to be in charge by the 14th of August, from established serial winners to emerging elite coaches, all of whom could, in theory, be tasked with restoring order at the Bernabéu.

10

Zinedine Zidane – 14/1

Zidane remains a legendary figure at the Bernabéu, having delivered multiple Champions League titles during his previous tenure. His man-management and ability to handle elite dressing rooms set him apart, even if his tactical approach is often understated.

A return would be emotionally powerful, but with a reported verbal agreement to take charge of the French national team after the 2026 World Cup, Madrid would have to act immediately to make this happen.

9

Massimiliano Allegri – 10/1

Allegri is known for pragmatic, defensively disciplined football and elite game management, particularly in knockout competitions. His success at Juventus demonstrated his ability to consistently win in pressure situations. His style won’t excite Madrid supporters, but his reliability in delivering results could appeal given the situation the club are currently facing.

Despite him having a contract with AC Milan that runs until next summer with the option of a further year, disagreements over the club’s direction have increased tension between the 58-year-old and the board, and he could take his talents outside of Italy for the first time in his career.

8

Luis Enrique – 10/1

Luis Enrique has already conquered Europe with both Barcelona and PSG. He brings a strong tactical identity built on pressing, possession, and attacking structure. His experience managing elite international players with Spain further strengthens his profile.

A potential Madrid appointment would appear controversial given his Barcelona history, but despite those strong ties as both a Barcelona coach and player, Enrique actually played 157 games for Real Madrid. Pair that with his undeniable quality as a manager, and a move to the Spanish capital starts to make a lot more sense.

7

Julian Nagelsmann – 10/1

Nagelsmann is one of the most tactically innovative coaches in world football right now, known for fluid systems and adaptability. He’s still relatively young, he’s already managed Bayern Munich and is currently in charge of the German national team, gaining valuable elite experience. His modern, data-driven approach could fit Madrid’s evolving squad, particularly their younger core.

But prizing him away from the Germany job would prove a difficult task this year, with a release clause not valid until 2027. If Madrid fancied their chances though, they’d have competition for the 38-year-old in the form of Manchester United, who are very keen to bring him in should they not stick with Michael Carrick.

6

Mauricio Pochettino – 8/1

Pochettino offers a reputation for developing young players and building cohesive squads, though his biggest criticism remains a lack of major silverware at the elite level. His experience in high-profile environments with Tottenham, PSG, and Chelsea show he can handle the pressure of a big job, but Madrid would ultimately demand consistent trophy success.

His contract with the USA expires at the end of this year’s World Cup, and he’s refused to discuss where his next managerial destination might be, but with the tournament being hosted on home soil, he’ll already be under a level of scrutiny and expectation not too dissimilar to what he’d face in Madrid, tasked with delivering success for a nation that will expect far more simply because of the stage they’re on.

5

Jose Mourinho – 8/1

As former Madrid boss, Mourinho’s return would be dramatic and rather divisive. His previous spell delivered goals, intensity, and domestic success, but also tension in the dressing room and controversy off the pitch.

Still, his record of immediately stabilising elite clubs makes him a tempting solution. He remains undefeated in the Primeira Liga with Benfica and after a handful of years spent outside of what would be considered a “big job,” Mourinho could be as tempted as Madrid are to bring him in and steady the ship.

4

Jurgen Klopp – 7/1

Klopp’s name instantly brings credibility and a solid track record at the top level. His ability to build cohesive, high-energy teams transformed Liverpool into Champions League and Premier League winners. However, his recent comments about taking time away from management raise questions over whether a Madrid move would even be realistic, even if it was for the short-term.

Klopp currently serves as Red Bull’s head of global football, overseeing the whole network of clubs under the Red Bull banner, and has expressed his happiness with the role he’s had since January 2025, but if any club can change all of that and make an offer he can’t refuse, it’d be Real Madrid.

3

Andoni Iraola – 6/1

Iraola has emerged as one of Europe’s most progressive coaches, impressing with his aggressive pressing systems. His work in the Premier League with Bournemouth has enhanced his reputation for improving players and implementing a clear identity. A move to Madrid would be a significant leap, but his modern approach could appeal more to a club looking to evolve stylistically, rather than one who’s just simply looking to win immediately.

That being said, with the confirmation that he’ll leave Bournemouth at the end of the Premier League season, his signature wouldn’t be at all hard to acquire if Florentino Pérez decided to make what many would believe to be somewhat of a gamble.

2

Didier Deschamps – 5/1

A World Cup winner as both player and manager, Deschamps brings serious tournament pedigree and authority. His France teams have been built on structure, discipline, and game management rather than flair, which could divide opinion at Madrid. His style of play won’t align with the club’s attacking traditions, but his ability to deliver results in the high-pressure environments Madrid have recently failed in, is beyond question.

Outside of his style of play, Deschamps knows what it’s like to handle huge personalities and still deliver trophies, with his 2018 World Cup winning team featuring likes of Madrid’s striker and top scorer Kylian Mbappé, Paul Pogba and current Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembélé.

1

Álvaro Arbeloa – 3/1

Arbeloa sits in a slightly unusual position as both the current Real Madrid manager and the favourite in the market. Despite the growing pressure and a season that’s fallen well below expectations, the simple fact is he’s still in the job, and that alone makes him the most likely to be in charge come the 14th of August.

There’s still a very narrow path to redemption. A strong end to the season could yet steady things and shift the narrative around his tenure. But realistically, it feels unlikely that they’ll close a nine-point gap to Barcelona with just seven games left. Performances haven’t inspired much confidence, and at a club like Real Madrid, poor runs rarely go unpunished. His status as favourite says more about circumstance than long-term backing, he’s simply the one currently in charge, for now.