Jorge Valdano shared his thoughts on potential candidates for the Real Madrid coaching position during an appearance on Movistar+, offering clear opinions on several high-profile managers linked with the role.
Speaking about José Mourinho, Valdano dismissed the possibility of a return to the club. “Mourinho is already a closed chapter at the club and I don’t think he’s going to come back.”
Valdano also addressed Mauricio Pochettino, highlighting the Argentine’s past proximity to the position. “Pochettino
is a manager who has twice come very close to joining Real Madrid. And when that happens, it’s because it’s clear that he’s a type of manager who is very attractive to the club.”
On Didier Deschamps, Valdano pointed to both his achievements and familiarity with several Real Madrid players. “Deschamps? We are talking about a coach who is a world champion and could be a good fit for Real Madrid. We must remember that they have players like Tchouaméni, Camavinga, and Mbappé, and he is a coach who knows them and has managed them well.”
Discussing Jürgen Klopp, Valdano emphasized the conditions typically required for his approach. “Klopp needs a year to build a team. He needs that year to achieve the physical intensity necessary for his style of play to take shape. And I find it difficult to imagine that at a club like Real Madrid he could have that year because results are needed first.”
Finally, Valdano commented on Lionel Scaloni, acknowledging his success but raising questions about his experience at club level. “Scaloni is a world champion and no one doubts his quality, but Scaloni has no experience at club level. It’s risky to think that Real Madrid will be his first experience at club level and I don’t know if it would be a good move.”
