Real Madrid identify Jurgen Klopp and Enzo Maresca as dream managerial targets | OneFootball

Real Madrid are keeping tabs on former Premier League managers Jurgen Klopp and Enzo Maresca ( h/t Foot Mercato).

Madrid recently made a surprise call by sacking Xabi Alonso. They appointed Castilla head coach Alvaro Arbeloa as his successor.

The details of Arbeloa’s tenure have not been revealed. However, he will likely be a temporary appointment until next summer.

Madrid president Florentino Perez is a big admirer of Klopp and will be more than ready to lure him to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The German boss has been out of management since leaving Liverpool in 2024. He moved into an executive role last year, becoming the Head of Global Soccer of Red Bull GmbH.

The 58-year-old is regarded as one of the best managers in modern history, known for his revolutionary style of play and unmatched success at Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.

Klopp is a quality man-manager with Champions League pedigree, making him an ideal candidate to lead a dressing room full of superstars and extract the best from them.

However, Red Bull chief executive officer Oliver Mintzlaff recently played down the rumours linking Klopp with a return to management, stating that he is happy with his current role.

Madrid have lined up Maresca as a potential back-up option if Klopp’s deal doesn’t materialise.

He led Chelsea to the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup titles last season, but was sacked recently following a string of poor results and a complete breakdown in his relationship with the club.

Maresca cultivated a strong dressing-room environment focused on unity. However, he fell victim to Chelsea’s cut-throat decision-making.