Real Madrid president accepts blame for failed season – errors with coach choice, not the squad

The search for a new manager at Real Madrid has once again become a central topic at Valdebebas.

Names such as Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, Didier Deschamps and Jose Mourinho continue to circulate , and the final decision rests with club president Florentino Perez, who has yet to make up his mind.

Now, according to ABC , Perez intends to take full control of the decision of the new coach appointment after a season in which two long-term managerial bets failed within just ten months.

Both Xabi Alonso, dismissed in January, and Alvaro Arbeloa, who will not continue beyond the end of the league campaign, are considered personal errors in judgement by the president and he is taking responsibility for the disappointing season.

This comes after internal assessment carried out by Perez following the club’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League against Bayern Munich, leaving the team on course for a trophyless season.

During this period of reflection, Perez has also acknowledged that the managerial change came too late, which did not help Arbeloa. The president had considered dismissing Alonso earlier, following a league defeat to Celta Vigo in early December, but was persuaded to wait.

Perez believes coaching appointments cost Real Madrid this season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Alonso was ultimately sacked on 12 January after losing the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona.

Arbeloa’s arrival, alongside fitness coach Antonio Pintus, brought some signs of improvement, but not enough to meet expectations. Despite his appreciation for Arbeloa, Perez believes the progress remained insufficient.

Significantly, the Real Madrid president’s internal analysis absolves the players of responsibility. Perez maintains that the squad possesses both quality and untapped potential, and believes that a top-level manager could restore their best form.

As a result, he does not intend to undertake a major overhaul of the team. Instead, the focus will be on strengthening specific areas, particularly central defence, right-back, and midfield.

Other adjustments may include the return of Nico Paz and Víctor Munoz, the reintegration of Endrick after his loan spell at Lyon, and potential departures such as loans for Franco Mastantuono and a sale with a buy-back clause for Gonzalo Garcia.

The club would also consider generating revenue through the sales of players like Raul Asencio , Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos and Fran Garcia.

While changes are expected, they are unlikely to be as extensive or as immediate as fans might hope. Perez believes there is time to act carefully, particularly with the upcoming FIFA World Cup set to influence decisions taken during the summer.