Parting with Arbeloa, Real finalizes list of four great strategists

Real Madrid is reported to have compiled a shortlist of four potential candidates to replace Alvaro Arbeloa, following the team's elimination in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Real Madrid has officially halted its journey in the Champions League after a 3-4 defeat to Bayern Munich, resulting in a 4-6 aggregate loss over two matches.

This outcome essentially extinguishes Los Blancos' hopes of securing a title this season. Previously, they were eliminated from the Copa del Rey and currently trail La Liga leaders Barcelona by nine points with only seven rounds remaining. This could mark the second consecutive season Real Madrid ends without a trophy.

For many clubs, reaching the Champions League quarter-finals and finishing as domestic runners-up would be encouraging achievements. However, given the stringent standards at Santiago Bernabeu, such results are unlikely to be acceptable.

According to The Athletic, Coach Alvaro Arbeloa faces the risk of losing his job despite having taken over the team only in January. This source indicates he is highly likely to be dismissed, though there remains a possibility he could lead the team until the season's end.

In the event Arbeloa leaves the hot seat, Real Madrid has considered several potential candidates. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is highly regarded, although the German strategist has stated he is content with his current role within the Red Bull system.

President Florentino Perez also holds particular admiration for legend Zinedine Zidane, who previously helped Real Madrid secure three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018. However, Zidane is currently linked with the head coach position of the French national team, expected to become vacant after Didier Deschamps departs following the 2026 World Cup.

Deschamps himself is also a considered option, despite not having managed any club since leaving Marseille in 2012.

Additionally, Mauricio Pochettino, coach of the US national team, is also within Real Madrid's sights and receives high praise from the club's upper management, especially President Perez. His contract expires after the 2026 World Cup, though the Argentine tactician has left open the possibility of continuing with the US national team.