Enzo Maresca rivals Jurgen Klopp for surprise new job weeks after Chelsea exit - The Mirror

Enzo Maresca left Chelsea on New Year's Day despite guiding the Blues to the Club World Cup last summer, and has already been linked with a number of European powerhouses

Enzo Maresca has been touted as a potential candidate to take charge at Real Madrid, with Jurgen Klopp's name also being thrown into the mix for the now-vacant managerial position. Xabi Alonso departed the club by mutual agreement earlier this week, barely seven-and-a-half months into his tenure in the Spanish capital.

While he had steered Bayer Leverkusen to glory in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and DFL Supercup in 2024, his spell at the Bernabeu proved far less successful - failing to deliver any silverware for Los Blancos. Alvaro Arbeloa has taken temporary charge whilst Real Madrid search for a permanent replacement.

The board, however, may be keen to move quickly in securing a more experienced figure for the role. Arbeloa presided over a disastrous 3-2 defeat to Segunda Division outfit Albacete in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, a result the Spanish press branded a "total debacle."

According to Sky Sports, Klopp is being considered for the permanent role by the La Liga giants, with the board holding internal discussions about the German - who achieved remarkable success at both Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool. That said, with Klopp currently committed to Red Bull as their Global Sports Director - a role he is deeply invested in - prising the 58-year-old back into management could prove challenging.

It is understood that Klopp would only contemplate a return to the dugout for Real Madrid or the German national side, provided the circumstances are favourable. At present, there have been no formal discussions between Real Madrid and Klopp, reports Football London.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Maresca is also under consideration by the Spanish giants, having left Chelsea – who subsequently appointed Liam Rosenior – at the start of the year. The Italian tasted considerable success at Stamford Bridge before his exit, steering the Blues to Europa Conference League glory in May before securing the Club World Cup in the summer.

Yet, after a spell of patchy results, Chelsea confirmed they had mutually agreed to part ways with the 45-year-old on New Year's Day. The club released a statement which read: "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 posted his own message on social media, which said: "'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."

Real Madrid isn't the only destination Maresca has been associated with since departing Chelsea. The experienced manager has also been touted for the Manchester United job after Ruben Amorim's dismissal earlier this month.

With Michael Carrick now taking charge as interim head coach for the rest of the campaign, it seems improbable that the Red Devils will seek a permanent replacement for Amorim before the summer window.

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