The managerial carousel at Real Madrid is spinning once again, and the rumor mill is buzzing with intrigue. While current boss Álvaro Arbeloa is still at the helm, the club is actively scouting for a long-term successor to lead the squad at the Santiago Bernabéu. One familiar name has surfaced as a potential candidate: José Mourinho, who is reportedly eager for a dramatic return. But another former Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso, is also making headlines—though for very different reasons.

According to reports from Defensa Central, Alonso still harbors a deep desire to return to Real Madrid, but only under the right circumstances. The Spanish tactician, who left his role in January 2026 after a disappointing end to his tenure, remains a beloved figure among fans. However, club president Florentino Pérez is not currently considering a comeback for Alonso. The president was reportedly "very disappointed" with how Alonso's stint concluded, which came on the heels of a Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona.

The initial excitement that greeted Alonso's arrival from Bayer Leverkusen quickly faded. Inside the club, there's a sense that he struggled to manage a dressing room filled with powerful egos. Sources suggest that Alonso lacked full authority to make key decisions, with the hierarchy often siding with players during internal disputes. This lack of institutional backing made his position untenable, leading to his premature exit.

Despite the sour ending, Alonso's affection for Real Madrid remains strong. The reports indicate that once the Pérez era ends and the squad undergoes a significant overhaul, Alonso would be delighted to return. He's eager to leave a positive legacy at the Bernabéu and finally steady the ship.

In the meantime, Alonso is attracting interest from elsewhere. Liverpool have reportedly reached out to Real Madrid for information about the Spanish manager, who is being touted as a potential replacement for Arne Slot. For now, though, the door at the Bernabéu remains closed—but perhaps not forever.