Real Madrid's surprise in Florentino's sleeve: who could replace Arbeloa?
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 17.01.26. | 14:30
The Spanish giants are already planning their next managerial move, and it could shake the football world. But before all that - Levante this Saturday (4 pm)
Los Blancos are facing Levante on Saturday afternoon, but the club's board is already looking ahead to the next transfer window, when they could be set for a third managerial change in just 12 months.
Alvaro Arbeloa has stepped in after Xabi Alonso's sudden exit, but there's no guarantee the former Castilla coach will still be in charge next season.
While Arbeloa gets his chance to prove himself, Real Madrid are quietly sounding out potential successors.
One name keeps resurfacing: Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager. Reports earlier this week suggested Klopp would "seriously consider" an offer if it came - a rare crack in the wall of his usual refusals.
Speaking on the Euro Leagues podcast, Spanish journalist Guillem Balague confirmed that "Real Madrid 100% want him," referencing previous attempts to lure the German tactician. Balague added that president Florentino Perez is a man who does not accept 'no'.
Since leaving Liverpool, Klopp has largely retired from management, taking on the role of Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, and repeatedly downplaying rumours of a return.
His shortlist for a comeback has always been narrow: Real Madrid or the German national team.
German journalist Rafael Honigstein explained that in the past, Klopp turned down Los Blancos with reasons such as "I don't speak the language" or "I already have a club," referring to his stints at Dortmund and Liverpool.
But times have changed. Klopp now resides in Mallorca, is learning Spanish, and - crucially - currently has no team. Honigstein notes that his previous "no" is no longer set in stone. Whether Real Madrid can tempt him, and whether they are willing to meet his terms, remains the next chapter in this unfolding saga.
LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 20
Friday
Espanyol - Girona 0-2 (0-1)
/Vanat 45+3 pen, 90+3 pen/
Saturday
16.00: (1.17) Real Madrid (9.50) Levante (15.0)
18.15: (3.70) Mallorca (3.20) Ath.Bilbao (2.25)
20.30: (1.85) Osasuna (3.50) Oviedo (5.00)
23.00: (2.60) Betis (3.35) Villareal (2.70)
Sunday
16.00: (2.60) Getafe (2.75) Valencia (3.35)
18.15: (1.32) Atl.Madrid (5.50) Alaves (12.0)
20.30: (2.05) Celta (3.45) Rayo Vallecano (4.10)
23.00: (4.90) Sociedad (4.65) Barcelona (1.58)
Monday
23.00: (2.35) Elche (3.35) Sevilla (3.30)
***odds are subject to change***
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