USMNT’s Pochettino reportedly on Real Madrid manager shortlist

USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino is on Real Madrid’s managerial shortlist in the event that club change their head coach ahead of next season, according to reports.

A report from ESPN claims the Argentine is part of a list drawn up by the club as they look for a permanent appointment at the top of the team in the upcoming campaign, with Álvaro Arbeloa failing to thrive in the role.

Arbeloa was chosen to take over Real Madrid earlier this year, but nothing about his tenure so far appears to have convinced club decision makers to think about sticking with him for next season. Shock defeats to Osasuna and Getafe left Real Madrid looking down the barrel of three consecutive LaLiga losses for the first time since 2009; only a last-gasp Fede Valverde goal against Celta Vigo at the weekend stopped the downward spiral.

The report says that Pochettino, currently in charge of the USA National Team, is “highly regarded” by club president Florentino Pérez, who is already scouting potential replacements for Arbeloa.

Contractual engagements with US Soccer would not be necessary should Real Madrid approach him: Pochettino’s current deals runs until the conclusion of the World Cup, which the US are hosting alongside Mexico and Canada.

It is also not the first time Pochettino has been linked with the job in the Spanish capital: having taken Spurs to the Champions League final in 2019, Madrid was singled out as a potential destination for the manager. In the end, he took up a role with the United States.

As well as Arbeloa, the report claims that head of scouting Juni Calafat is also under threat. Despite having brought in talents such as Rodrygo, Vini Jr, and Éder Militão, the most recent transfer window is yet to bear fruit and as such he is reportedly in the spotlight at the club.

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