Story perspectives

Real Madrid Dismisses Alonso, Rules Out Klopp, Eyes Pochettino

5/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Real Madrid announced coach Jurgen Klopp will not become head coach.
President Florentino Pérez sacked coach Xabi Alonso in January after Super Cup loss to Barcelona.
Interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa is unlikely to stay beyond season.
Real Madrid is weighing candidates coach Mauricio Pochettino, coach Didier Deschamps and coach Massimiliano Allegri.
Former player, manager and pundit Jorge Valdano ruled out coach José Mourinho.

History

Historical Context

In 2009, Real Madrid dismissed head coach Bernd Schuster after a 2-0 loss to Barcelona and appointed Manuel Pellegrini. Club president Florentino Pérez signed Pellegrini to a two-year deal worth €4.5 million annually, while paying €5 million severance to Schuster. Today's turmoil mirrors that pattern as Florentino Pérez again dismissed Xabi Alonso after a Super Cup defeat, sparking speculation over candidates like Pochettino, Deschamps, and Allegri. Repeated coaching churn underscores Real Madrid’s relentless pursuit of trophies, prompting future boardrooms to weigh stability against immediate silverware ambitions.

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Story summary

Real Madrid announced coach Jurgen Klopp will not become head coach.
President Florentino Pérez sacked coach Xabi Alonso in January after Super Cup loss to Barcelona.
Interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa is unlikely to stay beyond season.
Real Madrid is weighing candidates coach Mauricio Pochettino, coach Didier Deschamps and coach Massimiliano Allegri.
Former player, manager and pundit Jorge Valdano ruled out coach José Mourinho.

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