EXCLUSIVE: Leipzig star Diomande shares how America shaped him

ICONS: The World Cup that convinced the U.S. of 'soccer'

USMNT Explained: Pulisic, Pochettino and why 2026 matters

NCFC’s shutdown for D1 move sparks questions over human cost

King Jude of El Clasico! Bellingham dominates Barcelona

Editors' Picks

Aston Villa vs Brentford: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Chaos in La Liga! Rayo-Athletic suspended amidst Presa protests

Revealed: The FOUR demands Gabriel made to Utd before shock exit request

Carragher: Ferdinand 'embarassing' himself over CR7

Ipswich Town vs Fulham: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Ronaldo and Coman shine in Al Nassr's comfortable victory

Al Nassr FC vs Al Diriyah: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Xhaka Handed Two-Year Probation Over Fake Covid Certificate

<div data-fco-dynamic-placement="" data-fco-dynamic-placement-type="match-recirculation" data-fco-embed-id="fco-dynamic-placement:match-recirculation"><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-recirculation">{"type":"match-recirculation","data":{}}</script></div><p><span>Journalist Raul Varela of </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/radio_marca/reel/DYOzbdfTjfg/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" data-affiliate-type="NONE"><span>Radio Marca</span></a><span> reports that Real Madrid have identified former Bundesliga coach Pellegrino Matarazzo as a backup option to "The Special One" in case the Portuguese's move to Madrid collapses.</span></p><div data-fco-dynamic-placement="" data-fco-dynamic-placement-type="fcplayer-semantic"><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90","embedType":"SEMANTIC","embedId":"5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90","publisher":null,"playerId":null,"fallbackChannelId":null}}</script></div><div data-fco-dynamic-placement="" data-fco-dynamic-placement-type="match-schedule" data-fco-embed-id="fco-dynamic-placement:match-schedule"><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"matchScheduleId":"bltf05c100cc38c5a9c"}}</script></div>

Real Madrid are reportedly weighing a former Bundesliga coach as a backup option should they fail to secure Jose Mourinho

Champions League

Roma

Real Madrid

<p><span>According to the report, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is weighing several candidates to replace Álvaro Arbeloa. Matarazzo's fundamental, highly modern approach to the game is said to be highly regarded at the Bernabéu, making him a popular figure among the Blancos.</span></p><p><span>Nevertheless, the report also stresses that a move by the 48-year-old American to Real is unlikely. In Madrid, there is still strong backing for Mourinho as the new manager; according to Belgian transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri, the deal is already done.</span></p><p><span>The club could make an official announcement as early as next week. Mourinho, nicknamed "The Special One," has a €3 million release clause in his Benfica contract, which runs until 2027.</span></p>

<p><span>Matarazzo, whose contract with Real Sociedad runs until 2027, joined the Basque club at the end of December 2025. The former VfB Stuttgart and TSG Hoffenheim boss quickly turned around the team's fortunes, guiding them back into the upper reaches of LaLiga and to glory in the Copa del Rey.</span></p><p><span>As a result, the club is already assured a spot in next season's Europa League, even though it currently sits eighth in LaLiga.</span></p>

Matarazzo lifted the Copa del Rey with Real Sociedad.

Real Madrid are reportedly weighing a former Bundesliga coach as a backup option should they need to replace Jose Mourinho | Goal.com Canada

Jose Mourinho is the overwhelming favourite to take the manager&apos;s job at Real Madrid. Nevertheless, the club has a Plan B ready if needed.

Matarazzo lifted the Copa del Rey with Real Sociedad.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?