At a glance
- AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has reportedly taken the lead in the race to become Real Madrid’s next head coach.
- Other candidates include Enzo Maresca and Julian Nagelsmann.
- In any case, Alvaro Arbeloa looks set to be replaced.
AC Milan’s Massimiliano Allegri is currently the frontrunner to become Real Madrid’s next manager according to OK Diario.
Recent reports have claimed that Jose Mourinho is President Florentino Perez’s preferred candidate. Ahead of the weekend, though, the Portuguese said that there have been no talks with Madrid. Furthermore, Benfica want to renew his contract which expires in mid-2027.
Over at OK Diario, though, they say that Allegri is the front runner with ex-Chelsea boss and German national team tactician Julian Nagelsmann also gaining steam.
With six Scuettos, five Coppa Italias and three Super Cups in his trophy cabinet, Allegri is undoubtedly the best Italian coach of the last decade.
That’s in relation to those that stayed at home, however, with Madrid legend Carlo Ancelotti the greatest from their homeland for his Champions League-winning escapades in the Spanish capital.
Madrid has tried and failed to find the right man after Ancelotti, who will oversee the Brazil national team at the World Cup.
Xabi Alonso was too strict, and fired after a Super Cup loss to Barcelona. As for Alvaro Arbeloa, he’s perhaps not ready for the elite.
Allegri is therefore the nearest thing that Perez can find to Ancelotti then. While not as strict as say Antonio Conte, his approach is more similar to that of ‘Don Carlo’.
Juventus legend thinks Allegri is ready for Real Madrid
When asked about the topic recently, Juventus icon Leonardo Bonucci said that he sees Allegri as being a good fit in Valdebebas.
“He reminds me of Ancelotti. He gives freedom to the players and he’s a good manager,” Bonucci said. The centre back also believes Allegri “knows the pressure that the Madrid shirt means”.
“If Ancelotti did well, I don’t know why Allegri can’t do it,” the Euro 2020 winner suggested.
Allegri is apparently clear that he’ll abandon AC Milan if Real Madrid come calling. And as we head towards the end of 2025/2026, Perez will appoint Arbeloa’s successor ASAP so that he can already start planning preseason.
