Xabi Alonso is fighting to keep his job at Real Madrid, with the club now preparing a list of candidates in case they decide to make a change. The pressure reached a new level after the painful defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday, and inside the club, concerns have intensified about the team’s direction.

According to reports from Madrid, Alonso’s future could be decided by what happens on Wednesday night, when Real Madrid host Manchester City in the Champions League. Many within the club believe the match will be decisive, and few voices are willing to guarantee Alonso’s position beyond that game.

Real Madrid’s options to replace Xabi Alonso

The leading candidate to take charge—at least on an interim basis—is Alvaro Arbeloa, the current Real Madrid Castilla manager. Arbeloa has moved up through the academy ranks with strong results, and club president Florentino Pérez holds him in very high regard. According to The Athletic, he is one of the primary options being considered.

Other names mentioned include former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and club legend Zinedine Zidane. Both coaches are admired inside the Bernabéu offices, but their cases present complications.

Zinedine Zidane not an option

Despite speculation, Diario AS reports that no one at Real Madrid is considering making an approach to Zidane at this stage. The Frenchman remains focused on taking over the France national team in 2026, once Didier Deschamps steps aside after the World Cup.

Klopp remains unlikely

Klopp has long been appreciated within Real Madrid for his personality, tactical ideas, and man-management skills. However, securing him looks highly improbable. He has stepped away from coaching and is reportedly fully committed to his current position as Chief of Global Football Development at Red Bull. For this reason, the German appears to be a distant option.

Given these circumstances, Arbeloa is currently seen as the most realistic candidate should Real Madrid decide to part ways with Xabi Alonso.

MadridistasZone view

My opinion: Real Madrid entering a decisive moment this early in the season shows how high the expectations are. If the club truly believes in Alonso, they must give him stability—but if not, choosing the right successor will be crucial for maintaining the team’s identity and long-term vision.