Real Madrid have started contacting new coaches for next season, according to reports from Cadena SER. The club’s president Florentino Pérez is already looking ahead and actively searching for a replacement for the current interim coach, Álvaro Arbeloa. This comes just days after Arbeloa took charge following Xabi Alonso’s sudden departure.
Arbeloa stepped in on Monday, January 13, 2026, after Alonso left by mutual agreement. The former Castilla boss made his debut in the Copa del Rey round-of-16 tie against Albacete on Tuesday night. Madrid lost 3-2 in a shocking upset. The defeat has added pressure on the short-term setup. Pérez now wants a long-term solution in place before the end of the season.
Sources close to the club say initial calls have gone out to several high-profile names. The list includes familiar figures who have been linked with Madrid before. One name that keeps coming up is Jürgen Klopp.
The German coach left Liverpool at the end of last season and has stayed out of management since. He has said he wants a break, but Madrid’s interest is serious. Pérez sees him as someone who could bring energy and a clear style.
Another option is Massimiliano Allegri. The Italian has been without a job since leaving Juventus last summer. His record in big competitions makes him attractive. He knows how to manage stars and win trophies. Talks with his representatives have started, though nothing is advanced yet.
Carlo Ancelotti’s name has also surfaced again. He left Madrid in 2025 after a difficult last campaign. Some inside the club still rate him highly. A return is not ruled out, especially if he becomes available after his current project. Other possibilities include Simone Inzaghi from Inter Milan and Thomas Tuchel, who is currently free.
The timing of these contacts shows Pérez is not waiting. The club sits second in La Liga, seven points behind Barcelona. They are through to the Champions League round of 16. But the early Copa exit has hurt morale.
Players and fans want stability. Arbeloa has said he understands the situation. He called the Albacete loss his responsibility. He praised the squad’s effort and said they will now focus on the league and Europe.
Arbeloa was promoted from the reserve team because he knows the club inside out. He played over 200 games for Madrid as a defender. Many saw him as a safe choice for the short term. But Pérez wants someone with more experience at the top level. The president has a history of quick changes when results dip. He sacked several managers in the past when trophies were not coming.
Madrid’s squad has plenty of talent. Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo form a strong attack. The defence has been solid with Antonio Rüdiger and Éder Militão. But the team has lacked consistency this season. Injuries and rotation have played a part. A new coach could bring fresh ideas.
Fans have mixed feelings about the early search. Some think it shows ambition. Others say it is unfair to Arbeloa so soon. Social media filled with opinions after the Copa loss. Posts called for patience with the interim boss. Others demanded a big name to steady the ship.
The next few weeks will be busy. Madrid play Levante in La Liga this weekend. They face a tough Champions League tie in February. Any new appointment is unlikely before the summer. Pérez will want to see how the season finishes.
For now, Arbeloa leads the team. He has the players’ support. The contacts with other coaches are at an early stage. No one has been offered a deal. But the wheels are turning. Madrid want to be ready when the time comes to make a change. This situation shows how fast things move at the Bernabéu. Results matter. The search for the next coach has begun.
