Jorge Valdano Assesses Candidates for Real Madrid Job

TL;DR

Jorge Valdano evaluated potential candidates for the Real Madrid coaching position, dismissing José Mourinho's return. He highlighted Mauricio Pochettino's attractiveness, Didier Deschamps' fit, and questioned Lionel Scaloni's club experience.

Key points

Jorge Valdano assessed candidates for Real Madrid's coaching position.
He ruled out José Mourinho's return to the club.
Valdano highlighted Mauricio Pochettino's attractiveness as a candidate.
Didier Deschamps was noted for his achievements and familiarity with players.
Concerns were raised about Lionel Scaloni's lack of club experience.

Mentioned in this story

Jorge ValdanoJosé MourinhoMauricio PochettinoDidier DeschampsLionel Scaloni

Real Madrid

BERGAMO, ITALY - DECEMBER 10: Jorge Valdano, Argentinian former football player and manager, and current broadcast commentator, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Atalanta BC and Real Madrid C.F. at Stadio di Bergamo on December 10, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) | Getty Images Jorge Valdano shared his thoughts on potential candidates for the Real Madrid coaching position during an appearance on Movistar+, offering clear opinions on several high-profile managers linked with the role. Speaking about José Mourinho, Valdano dismissed the possibility of a return to the club. “Mourinho is already a closed chapter at the club and I don’t think he’s going to come back.” Valdano also addressed Mauricio Pochettino, highlighting the Argentine’s past proximity to the position. “Pochettino is a manager who has twice come very close to joining Real Madrid. And when that happens, it’s because it’s clear that he’s a type of manager who is very attractive to the club.” On Didier Deschamps, Valdano pointed to both his achievements and familiarity with several Real Madrid players. “Deschamps? We are talking about a coach who is a world champion and could be a good fit for Real Madrid. We must remember that they have players like Tchouaméni, Camavinga, and Mbappé, and he is a coach who knows them and has managed them well.” Discussing Jürgen Klopp, Valdano emphasized the conditions typically required for his approach. “Klopp needs a year to build a team. He needs that year to achieve the physical intensity necessary for his style of play to take shape. And I find it difficult to imagine that at a club like Real Madrid he could have that year because results are needed first.” Finally, Valdano commented on Lionel Scaloni, acknowledging his success but raising questions about his experience at club level. “Scaloni is a world champion and no one doubts his quality, but Scaloni has no experience at club level. It’s risky to think that Real Madrid will be his first experience at club level and I don’t know if it would be a good move.”

Q&A

What did Jorge Valdano say about José Mourinho's return to Real Madrid?

Jorge Valdano dismissed the possibility of José Mourinho returning to Real Madrid, stating that it is a closed chapter.

Why is Mauricio Pochettino considered a strong candidate for Real Madrid?

Mauricio Pochettino is seen as attractive to Real Madrid due to his past proximity to the position, having come close to joining the club twice.

What concerns did Valdano express about Lionel Scaloni as a potential Real Madrid coach?

Valdano raised concerns about Lionel Scaloni's lack of club-level experience, questioning whether it would be wise for Real Madrid to make him their first club-level appointment.