Real Madrid News
Former PSG manager on Real Madrid shortlist of candidates to replace Arbeloa
Real Madrid could be in for a managerial change for the third time within the space of a year come summer of 2026.
Xabi Alonso took over from Carlo Ancelotti in June, but lasted only six months before being replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa.
However, the former right-back could also be on his way out at the end of the season, with performances and results not impressing enough.
Given the situation, there are question marks over his long-term future at the club, with names like Jurgen Klopp and Massimiliano Allegri being touted as potential replacements.
Mauricio Pochettino on PSG’s radar
Now, according to Rodra on ESPN, Real Madrid have added current United States Men’s National Team manager Mauricio Pochettino on their shortlist of possible managerial candidates for the summer.
While Arbeloa continues to be highly regarded within the club offices, the higher-ups never saw him as a long-term solution, and as such, Los Blancos have begun scouting the managerial market.
And, Pochettino is someone who is held in very high regard by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
The Argentine manager’s contract with the USMNT expires after this summer’s World Cup. He has been heavily linked with a return to Tottenham Hotspur, mired in a relegation battle in the Premier League.
Real Madrid were linked with Pochettino back in 2019, after he had led Spurs to the UEFA Champions League final. He has the experience of managing other high-profile clubs like PSG and Chelsea.
In fact, Pochettino won three trophies with current Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe during their time together at PSG.
So, his name now features on the shortlist of possible replacements for Arbeloa, who could be offered a chance to return to Castilla once the season is over.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar expected to start vs Villarreal after returning to Spain to continue recovery
Kylian Mbappe is already back in Madrid. The Real Madrid forward landed at Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport this morning accompanied by his partner, Ester Exposito, at 11:16am, according to AS.
Real Madrid were training at Valdebebas from 10:30 am, so it is clear that the Frenchman did not take part in that session.
However, he is expected at Valdebebas later today to continue his recovery and reconditioning after the knee problem he suffered, which will not prevent him from playing against Villarreal, the report further states.
What happened to Mbappe?
Mbappe suffered significant pain in his left knee during the first of France’s four matches during this international break. It was Zinedine Zidane’s debut as national team manager and the Real Madrid attacker scored the only goal of the match.
🚨 MBAPPÉ YA ESTÁ en MADRID🚨 ✈️El francés ha aterrizado a las 11:16h en la capital. 👉 El Real Madrid entrenaba hoy a las 10:30h. 📹 @marcosbenito9 https://t.co/R04FwEwHcB
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) October 5, 2026
As he struck the ball, he felt the discomfort and requested for a substitution. At Real Madrid, they believe that had he continued, the problem could have required surgery.
The striker travelled to Spain to undergo tests, and the medical examination determined that he had “hyperextension of the posterior capsule of the left knee”.
As this was the same knee in which Mbappe suffered a serious sprain last season, there was concern at Valdebebas. However, the problem has proved to be minor and Mourinho is counting on Mbappe for the match against Villarreal on 10 October.
Active rest and recovery
After the tests, Mbappe was given permission to spend a few days on active rest under the supervision of Real Madrid’s medical staff.
He spent just under a week away from Madrid as part of a recovery plan in which coordination between the player, coaching staff and doctors was complete.
The France captain is now expected at Valdebebas to gradually readjust to the rhythm of the rest of the squad as the internationals return to training, with Saturday’s match in mind, where he is expected to start.
This comes as good news for Jose Mourinho, who needs the Frenchman, who has scored eight goals this term, at his best to get Real Madrid’s season back on track.
After all, Real Madrid are six points behind Barcelona in La Liga and are approaching a crucial period of the season.
