Paris Saint-Germain’s offensive display against Bayern Munich did not only make an impression in France. In Spain, and more precisely in Madrid, it has relaunched a burning debate around the identity of the future coach of Real Madrid. Because behind the scenes, the end of the cycle seems already written after a season considered disappointing, which should end without the slightest major trophy. The transition initiated after Xabi Alonso then Álvaro Arbeloa did not make it possible to sustainably stabilize the sporting project, and management is now preparing an important shift. The idea is to leave with a strong figure, capable of imposing a clear vision and relaunching a collective dynamic in a locker room in search of benchmarks where the Madrid leaders seem more divided than ever.
In the Spanish capital, rumors are racing and profiles are piling up. José Mourinho is a natural candidate for some, while Didier Deschamps is also mentioned in the discussions. “Real Madrid wants an experienced coach and the two profiles of this type are Mourinho and Deschamps”assured Siro López on the Cadena COPE. Other voices temper these tracks. Antonio Romero explains for his part that “Klopp is sidelined and Mourinho likes his name to circulate”while recalling that the final decision will largely depend on the presidency. Jürgen Klopp nevertheless remains in people’s minds, as does Mauricio Pochettino, a sign that the reflection is still ongoing and that several scenarios coexist within the Madrid club.
The Luis Enrique utopia?
In the middle of this game of speculation, a name was invited into the dance to everyone’s surprise, that of Luis Enrique. The current PSG coach is seduced by the quality of his team’s play and his resolutely offensive approach, as was further illustrated by the crazy European semi-final on Tuesday evening. But his possible arrival in Madrid is deeply divisive. “Imagining Luis Enrique coaching Real Madrid is a utopia”said Gonzalo Miró, when Manolo Lama was even more critical. Conversely, Alfredo Relaño believes that “Madrilenian fans would end up accepting Luis Enrique as coach”proof that the debate goes beyond the simple sporting framework and touches on the very identity of the club. Nevertheless, beyond the assumption worthy of a scenario netflixianit is important to remember that the Asturian tactician is in very advanced discussions for a contract extension with the capital club.
It must be said that the history between Luis Enrique and Madrid remains charged. A former club player, he joined FC Barcelona, a choice experienced as a real betrayal by some of the Merengue supporters. Since then, his career on the Catalan bench has reinforced this divide, notably with a golden period between 2014 and 2017, marked by a Champions League and spectacular football. Today, seeing a former Barça symbol take charge of Real Madrid seems almost unreal. However, in a context of reconstruction and after two seasons without a major title, some in Madrid seem ready to ignore the past to favor efficiency and renewal. A situation which perfectly illustrates the tensions and paradoxes of a club in search of rebirth, at a time when our colleagues fromEl Chiringuito confirm that the position could be played out between Mourinho, Klopp or even Deschamps, without any contact having yet been established.
