The recent Champions League elimination of Real Madrid by Bayern Munich is anticipated to lead to substantial transformations at the Spanish club, potentially commencing with the position of head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. Arbeloa, who was appointed in January, may face dismissal following the team's chaotic second-leg loss at the Allianz Arena, despite possibly continuing in his role until the end of the season.
This defeat, resulting in a 4-3 loss on the night and a 6-4 aggregate loss, signifies that Madrid will likely conclude the term without a major trophy, having been knocked out of the Copa del Rey by second-division Albacete in Arbeloa's first game and trailing defending champions Barcelona by nine points in La Liga. The club's history under president Florentino Perez suggests that managers who fail to secure major titles are often replaced, with Zinedine Zidane being the only exception.
Arbeloa's potential replacement and the underlying reasons for the turmoil surrounding the club are subjects of speculation, with various candidates being considered, including Jurgen Klopp, Zinedine Zidane, and Mauricio Pochettino. Beyond the head coach position, significant changes are anticipated within the club, including the potential appointment of a director of football to oversee recruitment and the possible restructuring of the sporting department. The club's medical crisis, marked by a high number of injuries, and disagreements between coaching staff and the physical trainer Antonio Pintus, are also expected to be addressed.
Proposals for a new ownership structure, allowing outside investment, have not progressed significantly since their announcement in November.