Italians hold the key – Allegri on pole position for Real Madrid manager’s job

The heat is intensifying around Alvaro Arbeloa at the Bernabeu, with fresh reports from Italy indicating that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is already exploring other options. Since Xabi Alonso’s exit, Los Blancos have struggled to find stability, and although Arbeloa answered the club’s call, the board is said to have doubts about the team’s current direction.

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As a result, the Spanish powerhouse is reportedly considering a bold approach for AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri ahead of the 2026-27 season. Arbeloa’s position weakened further after a stunning 1-0 defeat to Getafe on home soil, a result that not only soured the mood in the stands but also left Madrid four points adrift of Barcelona in the La Liga title race.

Consistency and discipline have been recurring issues under the former defender, prompting links to a more seasoned figure. Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport claims Madrid are giving serious thought to bringing Allegri to the Bernabeu next year. The experienced coach remains under contract at San Siro until 2027, yet the appeal of the Spanish capital has tempted many before him.

Madrid are eager to reassert their authority both domestically and in Europe, and view Allegri’s structured, results-driven philosophy as a potential remedy to their defensive lapses and uneven tactical displays. The setback against Getafe highlighted those concerns, with teenage talent Franco Mastantuono seeing red in a moment that summed up the team’s lack of control.

Arbeloa cut a frustrated figure after the match, unable to justify his side’s failure to unlock a compact defense or stay composed late on. With supporters growing impatient, questions are mounting about whether he can guide the team successfully through an upcoming Champions League last-16 clash.

He was candid when addressing his squad’s discipline, stating: "It’s unacceptable. The Mastantuono thing cannot happen. Huijsen and Carreras’ yellow cards are part of the game. But we’re going to have three very important players out in Vigo."

On the tactical front, he added: "We had clearer chances than Getafe. Nothing happened that we didn’t know was going to happen. It’s true that we had chances to score; it’s also true that we can play better. I can’t fault my players for their effort. The responsibility for improving our play is mine. If anyone is responsible for the defeat, it’s me."

Allegri’s name is no stranger to discussions surrounding Madrid’s dugout. The Italian has previously held strong ties with Perez and was reportedly close to taking the job on two separate occasions — in 2019 and again in 2021. In fact, reports suggest he had verbally agreed to join in 2021 before making a last-minute decision to return to Juventus following talks with then-president Andrea Agnelli.

This time, however, the long-anticipated switch to La Liga could finally materialize.