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It looks increasingly likely as the weeks progress that Real Madrid will finish the 2025/26 season without a trophy.
If that does indeed come to pass, as they are out of the Champions League and nine points adrift of leaders Barcelona in the La Liga title race, it would be the first time in 16 years that Madrid would go two consecutive seasons without winning a major title (if we consider last season's UEFA Super Cup to fall short of "major" honours).
Having dismissed Xabi Alonso back in January after only a half-season in charge, the club appointed youth-team boss Alvaro Arbeloa, a former player at Real Madrid, as the next manager. Los Blancos brass were tight-lipped about how long Arbeloa would remain in charge, but the season's likely empty conclusion feels as though it will seal his fate.
The Sporting News discusses what the situation is with Arbeloa and how Madrid will look to move on from another empty campaign.
MORE: Real Madrid injury list and latest team news for their next match
Will Real Madrid sack Alvaro Arbeloa?
While nothing is confirmed at this stage and because the La Liga title race is not technically over quite yet, according to multiple reports around Spain and the rest of Europe, it seems highly likely that Arbeloa will not be retained beyond this season.
Mario Cortegana of The Athletic reported that Arbeloa is "very likely be dismissed" at some point, probably the end of the season. The report claims that the squad has largely supported Arbeloa who "has improved the atmosphere in the dressing room enough to help maintain a professional environment" until the final weeks of the campaign.
While he was not tagged with the official title of "interim" upon his hire, and therefore presumably had the designation of permanent manager, Arbeloa's arrival in the wake of Alonso's dismissal never felt strong. It always had the air of a short-term appointment, even if it was not such publicly. Real Madrid's decision not to announce the length of his contract made it seem as though the commitment to Arbeloa was minor.
Thus, a failure to impress in his short few months and inability to push for trophies makes it highly likely that Arbeloa will be replaced in the summer.
The Athletic report states that Arbeloa is well-regarded at Madrid and could potentially stay in a backroom role if he wishes, but that is unlikely since he has first-team ambitions for his career down the road.
Who will be next Real Madrid manager?
The likely dismissal of Arbeloa then begs the question about who could take over as next Real Madrid manager.
Of those who are expected to be available this summer, Mauricio Pochettino is the most likely to be named Arbeloa's successor. Pochettino is not expected to stay with the U.S. national team past the 2026 FIFA World Cup, especially after the sudden exit of sporting director Matt Crocker, who has a working relationship with Pochettino from their days at Southampton.
It's also possible that Thomas Tuchel could be available if he departs the England national team after the World Cup, and he would surely gun for such an opening if given the chance. England's performance at the World Cup will likely dictate whether he has a chance at the job or not, although it's worth noting that he signed a contract extension through to Euro 2028 back in February.
Another candidate could be Didier Deschamps, who has already confirmed he will leave the French national team after the World Cup, but the 57-year-old has not managed at the club level since leaving Marseille for Les Bleus in 2012, and his level of desire to continue coaching beyond this summer is not known.
Deschamps will be replaced by former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, who has reportedly coveted that France job for years. Florentino Perez would love to have Zidane back, but that seems out of the question barring a dramatic turn of events with the national team.
Andoni Iraola is departing Bournemouth this summer and could be an option, having been linked with multiple top jobs given his success with a sparse budget at the Cherries the last few seasons.
Xavi Hernandez is available but unlikely to be linked with the role given his extensive history on the other side of El Clasico, and Jurgen Klopp is almost certain to continue in his executive position at Red Bull Football where he is reportedly content.
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