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Next Real Madrid's manager odds and predictions

By Klimentijs Konevs | Published: February 27, 2026, 12:15

As the 2025/26 season approaches its decisive stretch, Real Madrid once again find themselves under the microscope. With the Copa del Rey and other domestic cups already behind them, Los Blancos are fully focused on the La Liga title race. They are sitting just one point behind Barcelona at the top. Álvaro Arbeloa, brought in after Xabi Alonso's dismissal, is learning quickly how heavy the pressure can be at the Santiago Bernabéu.

There have been encouraging signs, but the overall spell has been far from perfect. Madrid survived a tense UEFA Champions League play-off tie against Benfica and now will face Manchester City in the Round of 16. Those European results could shape the board's final decision. In the meantime, the bookmakers are already turning to potential candidates for next season.

Real Madrid manager predictions

Odds for Real Madrid's manager on 14.08.2026

Arbeloa leads the market at 3.50, but those odds suggest his position is far from secure. Jürgen Klopp follows closely at 5.00, with strong speculation about a sensational return from retirement. Unai Emery, the current manager of Aston Villa, completes the top three at 5.50. Have a look at the new Real Madrid coach odds below.

Manager Odds
Álvaro Arbeloa 3.50
Jürgen Klopp 5.00
Unai Emery 5.50
Enzo Maresca 9.00
José Mourinho 11.00
Zinedine Zidane 11.00
Andoni Iraola 13.00

Álvaro Arbeloa

When Xabi Alonso was dismissed, few people seriously mentioned Álvaro Arbeloa as a successor. He was not even considered a top-10 candidate at the time. It was largely due to his lack of managerial experience and the belief that the pressure at Real Madrid could quickly overwhelm him.

His spell began with a disappointing Copa del Rey defeat to Albacete Balompié, raising immediate doubts. However, Arbeloa gradually managed to steady the ship, keeping Madrid competitive in La Liga and alive in Europe. Ultimately, their final position in the Champions League will define how successful his tenure truly is. A deep run would significantly strengthen his chances of remaining in charge next season.

Jürgen Klopp

The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund boss is currently working within the Red Bull football structure. He has stepped away from day-to-day coaching. In the past, he even suggested that if he were ever to return to management, Liverpool would be the only club he would consider.

However, Real Madrid represents a very different proposition. The scale and the expectation of competing for the Champions League every season could tempt him. Bookmakers clearly believe the scenario is realistic, placing him firmly among the leading contenders for the job.

Unai Emery

Emery's track record speaks for itself. He famously dominated the UEFA Europa League with Sevilla and has since turned Aston Villa into a genuine force in England. Villa currently sit third in the Premier League and look well on course for Champions League qualification.

Emery is known for his demanding tactical structure and attention to detail. Although he is under contract until 2029, Real Madrid certainly have the financial power to make a move. The real question is whether they are willing to push hard enough to secure him.

Enzo Maresca

Enzo Maresca has worked under elite managers such as Josep Guardiola at Manchester City. He basically grew as a coach in a system focused on smart positioning and strong tactical organisation. Those connections have earned him respect inside the boardroom at Real Madrid.

Maresca's recent achievements also strengthen his case. He guided Chelsea to UEFA Conference League glory and lifted the Club World Cup, securing a top-four Premier League finish. Earlier in his career, he won Premier League 2 with Manchester City's Elite Development Squad and led Leicester City back to the top flight. Rumours suggest Maresca can become the next manager of Man City, once Pep decides to leave. However, Real Madrid might be keeping a close eye on him.

José Mourinho

José Mourinho is never far away when a major European job becomes available. His recent success with Benfica, including a memorable win over Madrid, has only reignited the speculation. A return to the Santiago Bernabéu would feel like a full-circle moment, especially given the strong bond he built with the supporters during his first spell. With Real, he won La Liga with a record-breaking 100-point season. The club also lifted the Copa del Rey and claimed the Spanish Super Cup. He managed to restore the club's confidence and dominated their strongest rivals, Barcelona.

His recent success with Benfica has only reignited speculation about a return, but questions remain about whether his approach fits the modern game. Even so, the bond with the board and supporters keeps this reunion a realistic possibility.

Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane remains one of the most iconic figures in Real Madrid history. A club legend as a player, he successfully translated that status into the dugout. The club won three consecutive Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns during his managerial spells in Madrid. His calm authority and ability to manage big personalities made him a natural fit for the Bernabéu environment.

However, recent reports suggest Zidane has reached a verbal agreement to take charge of the France national football team after this year's World Cup. If that move materialises, a third return to Madrid appears highly unlikely.

Andoni Iraola

Andoni Iraola has steadily built his reputation through hard work and clear progress. At Rayo Vallecano, he guided the club back to La Liga via the play-offs and later led them to a historic Copa del Rey semi-final. This was the second only in their history and the first in four decades. That achievement alone marked him as a rising tactical mind in Spanish football.

His move to Bournemouth further strengthened his profile. He secured the club's best-ever Premier League points tally and famously ended Manchester City's long unbeaten domestic run. For now, his contract ends in June 2026. The timing is right if Real want that deal.

Prediction for Real Madrid's Manager on 14.08.2026

When looking at the shortlist, a few names can realistically be ruled out. Zidane appears destined for the France national team after the World Cup, while Maresca is heavily linked with eventually succeeding Pep at Manchester City. Unai Emery is thriving at Aston Villa and may not feel the need to move.

Of course, if Real Madrid truly want someone, they have the power to make it happen. However, the situation could change dramatically depending on the results. If Madrid go on to win the Champions League, or at least produce a strong run deep into the tournament, Arbeloa's position would immediately strengthen. The success in Europe would make it very difficult for the board to justify a change.

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Klimentijs Konevs

Klimentijs Konevs

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As a child, I tried my hand at many sports, including football, basketball, and floorball. From then on, I always tried to stay active. To this day, I closely follow the world of sports and apply my accumulated knowledge to my game predictions.