Alonso's position as head coach is precarious; Real Madrid's first choice is to bring back Zidane, with Klopp as the backup plan.

After the sixth round of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid was overturned 1-2 at home by Manchester City. Since Alonso became coach this season, Real Madrid has lost to Liverpool and in the Champions League. Furthermore, in the last five La Liga games, they have managed only one win, conceding 9 points, while Barcelona has won all their matches. Real Madrid’s lead over Barcelona has shifted from 5 points ahead to 4 points behind, and the title race is now out of their hands. Alonso’s team is struggling defensively and offensively, putting his coaching role in serious jeopardy. The next 2-3 matches are critical for Alonso’s future; if the team continues to drop points in La Liga, his dismissal is almost certain.

According to Germany’s Sky Sports, the La Liga match against Alavés will be a true test for Alonso’s coaching position. Meanwhile, Real Madrid's management is already searching for a new head coach. If Alonso is ultimately dismissed, club president Florentino Pérez’s top choice is to rehire Zidane, as given the current situation and the star-studded dressing room, only Zidane can truly stabilize the team and lead Real Madrid back on track.

Fans familiar with Zidane know he is waiting for the France national team coaching role and may not necessarily choose to return to Real Madrid, since his previous tenure was his peak and surpassing that would be difficult. A third stint might not end in triumph but rather in disappointment. Besides Zidane, Real Madrid’s backup plan is former Liverpool manager Klopp. The club’s leadership believes Klopp’s tactics perfectly suit the current squad, and a combination of Mbappé and Arnold could create a “guided” connection on the pitch.

Besides the prominent names Zidane and Klopp, Real Madrid legend Álvaro Arbeloa is also part of the plan. The 42-year-old former player currently coaches Real Madrid’s reserve team, Castilla.