Powered by Roundtable
TomVinall@RoundtableIO profile imagefeatured creator badge
TomVinall
1d
Updated at Apr 10, 2026, 15:10
featured

According to recent reports, Real Madrid have added a high-profile manager currently working internationally to their shortlist for their new potential manager

Although Real Madrid currently has a first-team manager in Alvaro Arbeloa, the man in the hot seat for next season still feels up in the air at this moment. 

Results have been inconsistent under the former right-back, who has lost six of his 19 games in charge, winning 13 and drawing none.  

Not only have the results been hit and miss, but when Arbeloa replaced his former Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Spain national team mate, Xabi Alonso, the club never confirmed whether he was the permanent manager. 

So, until proven otherwise, the assumption is that he is. But, there was no confirmation that he had or has a contract beyond the end of the 25/26 season, so everything is still pretty unclear. 

There is an idea that he will be given until the end of the season to prove himself, whilst the club looks for potential external alternatives in the meantime, in case a new manager is needed. 

Well, one option from afar that the club is reportedly interested in is France manager Didier Deschamps. Indeed, as French journalist Fabrice Hawkins is reporting, the 57-year-old is on the club's shortlist. 

Although he will be coaching the French national team at this summer's World Cup, Deschamps confirmed last year that he will be leaving Les Bleus upon the conclusion of the tournament. 

Ironically, it is widely reported that Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane is set to take over and lead them into Euro 2028 (and potentially beyond) in his first job since leaving Los Blancos five years ago. 

As for Deschamps, the link is interesting. He certainly feels very Real Madrid-coded; not flashy, not aesthetic, but gets the job done more often than not. His football can be extremely hard to watch, but it is certainly effective. 

One big plus is that he knows how to utilize Kylian Mbappe, building a system that showcases his best attributes whilst hiding his flaws. That would be hugely beneficial to the team. 

He has also worked with the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni, and could perhaps help them get back to their best form in a white shirt. 

Stylistically, it certainly feels like a good fit, even if it is not the easiest on the eye. He is also someone suited to knockout football, so he could be a huge help in the UEFA Champions League. Again, very Real Madrid coded in that sense. 

Join the Community

Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!