Real Madrid Turn to Nagelsmann as Klopp Option Fades

Real Madrid are shifting their managerial search toward Julian Nagelsmann, having largely shelved hopes of landing Jurgen Klopp, according to reports from Spain.

The Bernabéu club have endured a rocky campaign, sacking Xabi Alonso in January following the Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona. Tensions over team selection and dressing room management had reportedly simmered before his departure. Álvaro Arbeloa took the reins in his place, though the nature of his appointment—whether permanent or caretaker—remained unclear.

With Barcelona likely to claim La Liga honours and Real Madrid knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich last week, summer reconstruction appears inevitable. A 2-1 victory over Alavés on Tuesday left Real Madrid six points adrift of the leaders, who also hold a game in hand.

Spanish media claims the club have decided to "activate the Hansi Flick plan," moving away from their Klopp pursuit as the Liverpool legend's priority lies with the German national team role. That complication makes his Bernabéu switch increasingly improbable, prompting Real Madrid to explore alternatives whilst maintaining their preference for German coaching methods.

Real Madrid are drawing inspiration from Barcelona's playbook—specifically their appointment of Flick, a German national team coach with international pedigree and the experience to manage a demanding squad. Nagelsmann's profile fits this template precisely. Spanish outlets suggest the logic is compelling: should Klopp eventually take the Germany job, Nagelsmann would likely be excluded from that project, leaving him available for Real Madrid to move decisively.

Arbeloa's future remains uncertain. Fabrizio Romano revealed on his YouTube channel that the former defender could depart before the season's conclusion, though no official communication has been made to him yet. Romano noted that internally, Arbeloa has earned respect for his attitude, his faith in Castilla's young prospects, and the team's competitive showing against Bayern—despite Camavinga's red card—and Manchester City. The absence of silverware, however, weighs heavily on his prospects.

"Real Madrid will assess Arbeloa's position internally," Romano explained. "It is possible that he could leave the club between now and the end of the season, but at the moment Real Madrid have not communicated anything official to him."