Emery Addresses Real Madrid Interest as Bernabeu Search Continues
Unai Emery has played down talk linking him with the Real Madrid job as the Spanish giants continue their search for stability following Xabi Alonso’s early exit. With Alvaro Arbeloa currently in interim charge, attention in Madrid has turned toward experienced options, and the Aston Villa manager’s name is gaining traction.
Real moved quickly in early 2026 to part ways with Alonso, whose tenure lasted only a few months after taking charge in the summer of 2025. Arbeloa was handed temporary control but has struggled to steady the ship, suffering a shock Copa del Rey elimination against Albacete and failing to secure automatic Champions League last 16 qualification.
The club hierarchy is widely expected to appoint a more seasoned coach at some point, and Emery’s track record has not gone unnoticed. His three Europa League triumphs with Sevilla remain a benchmark in European competition, and reports across Spain suggest he is admired by decision makers at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s interest has been fueled by uncertainty around Arbeloa’s short-term future. While the former defender has been given time to prove himself in La Liga and the Champions League, results so far have highlighted the scale of the challenge. The defeat to Albacete, in particular, intensified scrutiny and reopened debate over long-term plans.
The backdrop to the speculation is a club already thinking ahead to the summer of 2026. Real are weighing continuity against the need for authority and tactical clarity, qualities Emery has consistently delivered throughout his career. His connection to super agent Jorge Mendes, who has close ties with Madrid, has only added to the intrigue.
Asked directly about the links, Emery offered no encouragement, choosing to remain tight-lipped and focused on his current role. The response did little to cool speculation in Spain, where media outlets have described him as the strongest candidate should Madrid opt for change.
Other names remain in the conversation. Jurgen Klopp is admired within the club, though any move would depend on the former Liverpool manager deciding to return to coaching. For now, he remains committed to his executive role with Red Bull, and Madrid are not expected to make the first move.
Behind the scenes, Arbeloa continues to prepare his side for decisive fixtures. Performances in Europe and domestically will shape his chances of extending his stay, but the margin for error is slim. Every result is now viewed through the lens of Madrid’s wider succession plan.
While Madrid weigh their options, Emery’s focus remains firmly in England. Since taking charge of Aston Villa in November 2022, he has transformed the club into a consistent contender, guiding them into European competition and sustaining momentum at the top end of the Premier League.
Villa currently sit third in the table, level on points with Manchester City and four behind leaders Arsenal, with 15 games still to play. They remain active in both the FA Cup and Europa League, keeping multiple pathways to silverware open.
For now, the noise around Madrid remains just that. But as the season unfolds and pressure mounts at the Bernabeu, Emery’s calm response may yet contrast sharply with the urgency building in the Spanish capital.