Real Madrid 'contact' Pochettino with Arbeloa to be sacked as manager

News

Suraj Radia | Editor

Real Madrid have reportedly reached out to Mauricio Pochettino over the prospect of the United States boss becoming their new manager next season.

The Spanish giants are expecting to make wholesale changes this summer after being dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich this week, leaving Real in severe danger of a second consecutive season without winning a major trophy.

Despite only replacing Xabi Alonso in January, Alvaro Arbeloa’s job has come into threat after the European exit and The Athletic report that the feeling around the club is that the Spaniard will be sacked at the end of the season.

Jurgen Klopp has been touted as a potential replacement but the ex-Liverpool coach is not believed to be considering leaving his role as Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer, while another target in Zinedine Zidane is set to succeed Didier Deschamps as France manager, who himself as also been considered as an option.

Instead, Pochettino is deemed as a ‘stronger’ candidate, with Real president Florentino Perez having a long-held respect for the Argentine coach, whose contract with the USMNT expires after the 2026 World Cup.

Reports in France have gone one step further and claimed that Perez has already gathered information on Pochettino and the coach’s ability to handle the pressure in Madrid amid potentially taking over in the summer.

Real Madrid preparing for major changes on all fronts after damaging season

Real are also said to be considering bringing in a new specialist for its sporting structure, with many believing the club desperately need a director of football in charge.

Former Madrid player and manager Santiago Solari currently has that role but he is not believed to have much power, with general director Jose Angel Sanchez and chief scout Juni Calafat responsible for recruitment, while Perez makes the final decisions.

Both Alonso and his predecessor Carlo Ancelotti are also understood to have had reservations over the power of key players and any changes will likely require a figurehead who is capable of handling the major personalities at the club.

Along with the coaching and executive figures, changes are expected with the playing staff and also the medical team after a significant number of injuries and disagreements this season.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•App Store