Reports Suggest Mbappe Prefers Zidane Over Klopp for Real Madrid Manager
Real Madrid's managerial future is becoming a topic of intense speculation, with conflicting reports emerging about who will lead the club next season. Current forward Kylian Mbappe is reportedly not convinced by the prospect of Jurgen Klopp taking over, preferring instead a return of Zinedine Zidane. However, other sources indicate that Klopp remains the favored candidate for the club's board to address their current slump.
The club finds itself in a transitional period after sacking Xabi Alonso in January following a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup. Alvaro Arbeloa was appointed as his replacement, but his status as a permanent or interim manager was never clearly defined. With Real Madrid now out of the Champions League and trailing Barcelona by nine points in La Liga, the decision on a long-term manager is pressing.
The Managerial Contenders
Two names dominate the conversation: Jurgen Klopp and Zinedine Zidane. Reports from Spain suggest a significant divergence in opinion between a key player and the club's hierarchy.
- Jurgen Klopp: Multiple outlets claim Klopp has a verbal agreement to join Real Madrid after the season concludes. It's reported he is unhappy with his current role as a sports advisor for Red Bull and desires to return to top-level management. The club's board reportedly appreciates him greatly, and stories even suggest transfer targets like Rodri, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Enzo Fernandez are being lined up for his potential arrival.
- Zinedine Zidane: This option is reportedly favored by Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar is said to be "not convinced" about Klopp's hiring and is "much more inclined" to choose Zidane, whom he considers a childhood idol. Mbappe would reportedly be "thrilled" to work alongside him.
Despite Mbappe's alleged preference, other reports insist Klopp is already "the chosen one" to reverse the club's worrying situation. Talks are said to have been underway for some time, though no final agreement is in place.
Current Situation and Key Uncertainties
Alvaro Arbeloa's position remains unclear. Fabrizio Romano notes that Arbeloa has been appreciated internally for his attitude and for trusting young players from the Castilla squad. His team's competitive performances against Manchester City and Bayern Munich were also respected, despite the lack of trophies. Real Madrid will assess his position internally, and it's possible he could leave before the season ends, but nothing official has been communicated to him.
Regarding Klopp, Romano clarifies that while the name is always mentioned internally in Real Madrid's conversations about managers, the situation is not advanced or concrete. The board first needs to understand if Klopp genuinely wants to return to the daily grind of management.
Key Takeaways:
- Real Madrid's managerial decision is a point of internal debate, with player preference and board vision potentially diverging.
- Jurgen Klopp is strongly linked by reports and favored by the board, but his personal desire to return to management is a key hurdle.
- Kylian Mbappe reportedly favors Zinedine Zidane, adding a layer of complexity to the club's decision-making process.
- Alvaro Arbeloa's interim tenure is under review, with no official decision yet made on his future.
- The club's need for a definitive leader is amplified by their current position, trailing in La Liga and out of the Champions League.
Ultimately, Real Madrid faces a crucial summer decision. They must balance the strategic vision of their board with the dynamics of their star-studded squad, all while seeking a manager capable of restoring the club to its expected heights.
— Editorial Team
