La Liga
Real Madrid is already beginning to outline its future on the bench. After a challenging season with poor results, the continuity of Álvaro Arbeloa seems practically ruled out, and the white board is already working to find his successor for the next season.
Among the names that have surfaced on the club's list, one stands out above the rest: Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine coach has become the leading candidate to take over the reins of the team starting from the 2026/27 season.
A name always appreciated at the Bernabéu
Mauricio Pochettino is not a stranger to Real Madrid's sports management. The Argentine coach has been valued for years in the offices of the Santiago Bernabéu thanks to his career in European dugouts.
His time at Tottenham was particularly remarkable. Under his guidance, the London team reached one of the most important moments in its recent history, even reaching a Champions League final and establishing itself as one of the most competitive teams in the Premier League.
His work caught the attention of several major clubs, and at different times in his career, his name had already been linked to Real Madrid.
The World Cup will determine the timing
Currently, Pochettino manages the United States national team, with which he will face the upcoming World Cup. The coach has a contract with the North American team, so any significant move would be postponed until the end of the World Cup.
Real Madrid's plan is to wait until the tournament ends to start a new era on the bench. In that scenario, the Argentine would assume the position after the World Cup and begin preparing the project for the 2026/27 season.
According to journalist Iñaki Angulo, a first meeting between the parties to discuss the details of a possible arrival of the South American coach is already planned.

Arbeloa, on his way out
The potential arrival of Pochettino is directly related to Álvaro Arbeloa's situation. The Spanish coach has failed to convince the club's board during his tenure leading the team.
Irregular results, some painful defeats, and the feeling that the team has not found a clear identity have weakened his position within the project.
For this reason, Real Madrid already assumes that Arbeloa will not continue on the bench once the season ends.
If everything goes according to plan, Mauricio Pochettino is emerging as the top contender to start a new cycle at the white club. The World Cup will be the final step before the Argentine can take the reins of one of the most demanding benches in world football.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ¡Primera reunión del Real Madrid con Mauricio Pochettino!
