After an early exit to Bayern Munich and Copa del Rey elimination, Real Madrid faces a potential second straight trophyless season, the first under president Florentino Pérez since 2020-21. Appointed in January following Xabi Alonso’s sacking, Arbeloa couldn’t turn things around, and his contract extension now seems unlikely. Pérez prioritizes a winner with back-to-back titles and elite experience; the shortlist includes Zidane (now heading to France post-2026 World Cup), Pochettino, Mourinho, and whispers of Guardiola and Deschamps, while Klopp’s interest is doubted.
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