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Enzo Maresca and Jurgen Klopp have emerged as potential contenders for the Real Madrid managerial vacancy following Xabi Alonso's departure earlier this week, just seven-and-a-half months into his reign at the Bernabeu. Despite guiding Bayer Leverkusen to three trophies in 2024, Alonso's time in the Spanish capital proved considerably less fruitful, with Los Blancos failing to secure any trophies under his stewardship. Alvaro Arbeloa has assumed caretaker duties while Real Madrid hunt for a permanent successor.

The hierarchy may be eager to act swiftly in appointing a more seasoned figure for the position. Arbeloa oversaw a catastrophic 3-2 Copa del Rey elimination to Segunda Division side Albacete on Wednesday, which the Spanish media described as a "total debacle."

Sky Sports reports that Klopp is under consideration for the permanent position by the La Liga powerhouse, with the board holding internal deliberations about the German, who enjoyed extraordinary success at both Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.

However, with Klopp currently serving as Red Bull's global sports director - a position he is heavily committed to - luring the 58-year-old back into management may prove difficult.

It's claimed that Klopp would only consider stepping back into management for Real Madrid or the German national team, and only under the right conditions. As it stands, no official talks have taken place between the Spanish giants and Klopp.

Meanwhile, other reports suggest that Maresca is on Real Madrid's radar after departing Chelsea - who went on to appoint Liam Rosenior - earlier this year.

The Italian enjoyed a trophy-laden stint at Stamford Bridge, guiding the Blues to a Europa Conference League triumph in May before lifting the Club World Cup during the summer months.

However, following a run of inconsistent performances, Chelsea announced on New Year's Day that they had reached a mutual decision to part company with the 45-year-old.

In an official statement, the club declared: "Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have parted company.

"During his time at the club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Those achievements will remain an important part of the club's recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the club.

"With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track. We wish Enzo well for the future."

Maresca also shared his own heartfelt message on social media, stating: "'LEAVE THIS WORLD A LITTLE BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT'.

"My journey with Chelsea began with the preliminary rounds of the Conference League. I leave with the inner peace of leaving a prestigious club like Chelsea where it deserves to be.

"I want to thank all the Chelsea fans for their support over the last 18 months. Support that was crucial to achieving Champions League qualification, winning the Conference League, and winning the Club World Cup. Victories that I will always hold in my heart!

"A special thank you to all the players who have accompanied me on this wonderful journey. I wish everyone who has shared every moment with me every success in this second half of the season and in the future. Thank you, CHELSEA from me and my family."

Since leaving Stamford Bridge, Maresca has been linked with more than just Real Madrid. The seasoned tactician has also emerged as a contender for the Manchester United position following Ruben Amorim's sacking earlier this month.

However, with Michael Carrick now appointed as interim manager for the remainder of the season, it appears unlikely that United will pursue a permanent successor to Amorim until the summer transfer window.