The French newspaper L’Équipe reported that Didier Deschamps will not take over as Real Madrid coach next season, replacing Álvaro Arbeloa.
The current French national team coach had been linked with the Real Madrid job, given his high regard for Florentino Pérez, who believes Deschamps can restore discipline and balance to the dressing room.
However, the renowned French newspaper, citing sources close to Deschamps, denied any negotiations between the Frenchman and Real Madrid. It also ruled out the possibility of the coach finishing the 2026 World Cup and then immediately taking over the reins at the Spanish giants, a move that would be fraught with risk.
According to L’Équipe, Massimiliano Allegri, the current AC Milan coach, and Mauricio Pochettino, the US national team coach, are the leading candidates to succeed Arbeloa, especially since interest in them is not new.
Meanwhile, Arbeloa’s departure from the Santiago Bernabéu seems imminent after failing to win any titles this season, as Real Madrid’s management seeks a complete overhaul, starting with the appointment of a top-tier coach capable of making an immediate impact.
Zinedine Zidane is Pérez’s top choice to succeed Arbeloa, but the Real Madrid legend will take over from Deschamps as coach of the French national team and has no desire to return for a third stint with the Spanish giants.
Jürgen Klopp’s name is also on the table, although the move appears complicated due to the German’s desire to step away from the demanding world of coaching.
