Former Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca, now the favourite to be the next Real Madrid manager after the SACKING of Xavi Alonso this Evening
Recent reports suggest that Enzo Maresca might emulate Carlo Ancelotti’s path by assuming control of Real Madrid following Xabi Alonso’s dismissal, though Jurgen Klopp remains the club’s ideal choice.
While internal problems at the club throughout this season had been well-documented, it still came as a surprise when Real Madrid confirmed earlier today that Xabi Alonso had left his position just hours after suffering a 3-2 Spanish Super Cup loss to Barcelona.
Various sources indicate this wasn’t a mutually agreed separation, meaning he was effectively dismissed merely seven months after succeeding Italian coaching legend Ancelotti.
Italian Carlo Ancelotti attends a press conference where he was presented as new head coach of men’s Brazilian national soccer team in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 26 May 2025. Ancelotti announced his first squad list for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay. EPA-EFE/Andre Coelho
Spanish media outlets are reporting this evening that Florentino Perez is keen to return to Ancelotti’s managerial approach, which would involve bringing back Italian fitness specialist Antonio Pintus to the coaching setup.
Although former Liverpool manager Klopp represents their preferred candidate, securing his services midway through the season appears highly improbable.
Maresca, manager of Chelsea FC looks on during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground on December 08, 2025 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images)
Maresca, who will celebrate his 46th birthday next month, had accumulated 14 victories, seven draws and seven losses with Chelsea this season prior to his departure on January 1.
Nevertheless, he might also be reluctant to take the position if he suspects he’s merely being considered as a temporary solution until Klopp becomes available for reconsideration during the summer.
