Real Madrid identify Jurgen Klopp and Enzo Maresca as dream managerial targets

Real Madrid are keeping tabs on former Premier League managers Jurgen Klopp and Enzo Maresca ( h/t Foot Mercato ).

Madrid recently made a surprise call by sacking Xabi Alonso , while appointing Castilla head coach Alvaro Arbeloa as his successor.

The details of Arbeloa’s tenure have not been revealed, but previous reports have stated that the Spaniard would be seen only as a make-shift solution, with Los Blancos likely to go for a high-profile name next summer.

Arbeloa’s continuity will be decided between now and the end of the season, but there are lingering doubts about whether he can handle the pressure of a job of this magnitude.

Meanwhile, Madrid president Florentino Perez is a big admirer of Klopp and will be more than ready to lure him to Santiago Bernabeu.

The German boss has been out of management since leaving Liverpool in 2024. He moved into an executive role last year, becoming the Head of Global Soccer of Red Bull GmbH.

The 58-year-old is regarded as one of the best managers in modern history, known for his revolutionary style of play and unmatched success at Dortmund and Liverpool.

Klopp is also a quality man-manager and has a Champions League pedigree, making him an ideal candidate to lead a dressing room full of superstars and extract the best from them.

However, Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff recently played down the rumours linking Klopp with a return to management, stating that the German gaffer is happy with his current role.

Madrid have lined up Maresca as a potential back-up option if Klopp’s deal doesn’t materialise.

The Italian gaffer led Chelsea to the Conference League and Club World Cup titles last season, but was recently sacked following a string of poor results and a complete breakdown in the relationship with the club.

Maresca cultivated a strong dressing room environment focused on unity and showcased more tactical versatility, but fell victim to Chelsea’s cut-throat decision-making.