Real Madrid: Pochettino, Pérez’s Mistakes, and Figo’s Endorsement for Deschamps – Summer Outlook 2024

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is facing growing pressure to make a decision on the club’s managerial future as Mauricio Pochettino emerges as the leading candidate to take over the first-team bench for the 2026-27 season, according to reports from French sports outlet RMC Sport. The Argentine coach, currently in charge of the United States national team, is said to be the most serious contender for the position, with his name gaining traction amid internal discussions at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Pochettino’s potential appointment comes at a critical juncture for Real Madrid, following a turbulent 2024-25 season in which the club failed to meet expectations despite the high-profile arrival of Kylian Mbappé. The team finished second in LaLiga, nine points behind champions Barcelona, and were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League by Bayern Munich. These results have intensified scrutiny on Pérez’s leadership, with several outlets highlighting what they describe as strategic missteps in recent transfer and coaching decisions.

Foot Mercato reported that Pérez has made “two major errors” in his handling of the club’s sporting direction, though it did not specify the nature of these mistakes in the available excerpt. The criticism aligns with broader concerns about the club’s inability to convert significant financial investment into consistent trophy success, particularly in Europe. Despite Mbappé’s arrival generating global excitement, Real Madrid’s inability to advance deep in the Champions League has raised questions about squad cohesion, tactical approach, and long-term planning under the current hierarchy.

Adding to the debate, Eurosport published a piece titled “Un été pour enfin regagner des trophées” (“A summer to finally win trophies again”), suggesting that the upcoming transfer window is viewed internally as a pivotal opportunity to reset the squad and restore competitiveness. The article implied that managerial continuity and strategic recruitment would be central to any turnaround effort, though it did not name specific targets or confirm any decisions.

Meanwhile, Tribuna.com featured comments from Real Madrid legend Luis Figo, who publicly endorsed Didier Deschamps as a viable candidate for the Madrid bench. Figo stated that Deschamps “has the experience and the personality necessary to succeed” in such a high-pressure role. The former Portugal international and Ballon d’Or winner acknowledged that while he and Pérez often disagree on club matters, he believes Deschamps’ credentials — including his 2018 FIFA World Cup triumph with France — make him a strong fit for the demands of managing Real Madrid.

Figo’s endorsement of Deschamps introduces an alternative narrative to the Pochettino-linked reports, highlighting a potential split in opinion among former players and advisors regarding the ideal profile for the next coach. Deschamps, who is set to step down as France head coach after the 2026 World Cup, has long been admired for his defensive organization, man-management skills, and ability to deliver results with limited resources — traits that could appeal to those seeking stability over expansive, attacking football.

Internally, 90Min.com reported that defender Dani Carvajal has taken a clear position regarding Álvaro Arbeloa, the current Real Madrid Castilla coach who has been linked with a potential promotion to the first-team role. Carvajal’s stance, described as “clear” in internal discussions, suggests resistance to Arbeloa’s ascent, though the exact nature of his comments was not detailed in the available source. Arbeloa’s future has been a subject of speculation, particularly after the Castilla side’s inconsistent performances in the third tier of Spanish football.

The convergence of these reports underscores a period of significant uncertainty at Real Madrid, where the club’s sporting direction is being debated amid fan pressure, media scrutiny, and the ambitions of its global superstar roster. With Mbappé reportedly advising Pérez to avoid hiring Jürgen Klopp and instead favor Mauricio Pochettino — according to earlier reports from Football365 — the president faces a complex decision that balances short-term results, long-term vision, and the expectations of one of the most demanding fanbases in world football.

As of April 21, 2026, no official announcement has been made regarding the managerial situation at Real Madrid. The club remains focused on concluding the current season and preparing for the summer transfer window, during which both personnel and leadership decisions are expected to be finalized. Until then, the debate over who should lead the team next season continues to dominate headlines across Spanish and international sports media.