
The Open Thread for April 20, 2026, invites discussions on football, focusing on potential candidates to replace Real Madrid's coach. Jürgen Klopp, Didier Deschamps, and Zinedine Zidane are among the names mentioned.
The Open Thread/Daily Merengue is a place where you can discuss anything and everything related to football. Feel free to discuss the topics presented here, or start your very own discussions! The Open thread will be posted every day by one of the mods you’d totally do a movie marathon night with: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, Kung_Fu_Zizou (AKA KFZ), Juninho, Ezek and, of course… yours truly.
Aaaaand here we go: Rumor season regarding Real Madrid’s next boss is officially on! From the various articles I’ve been reading here and there, I gather that the prime candidates are Klopp (good luck with that, he’s gotta want it), Poch, Deschamps, while Jose returning is also a slight possibility.
🚨 JUST IN: Real Madrid’s options to replace Arbeloa so far:
– Jürgen Klopp is HIGHLY regarded, but there has been no contact
– Florentino Pérez highly appreciates Zidane, but he’s likely to coach France
– Didier Deschamps is a possible candidate
– Florentino Pérez highly… pic.twitter.com/ACmZ0FNsPz— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) April 15, 2026
🚨 BREAKING: José Mourinho's RETURN to Real Madrid is now a SERIOUS possibility.
The club is seriously considering hiring him, and there could be a move in the NEXT FEW DAYS. @Record_Portugalpic.twitter.com/RVejdRzoJ6
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) April 18, 2026
🚨 JUST IN: Both Real Madrid and Vinicius confirm that the contract renewal is a DONE DEAL.
There is no doubt about it, the announcement will be done at the right moment. @jfelixdiazpic.twitter.com/w0nlzXNeQe
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) April 19, 2026
The top candidates include Jürgen Klopp, Didier Deschamps, and Zinedine Zidane.
No, there has been no contact with Jürgen Klopp about the coaching position at Real Madrid.
Zinedine Zidane is likely to coach the French national team, according to reports.


Haaland says Gabriel should have been sent off for headbutt in City's win over Arsenal.

Tebas critica los pitos al himno: no son libertad de expresión
Could T.J. Parker from Clemson be the Saints' next edge rusher?
If Steve Kerr leaves the Warriors, who could replace him? Here are 3 candidates.
AZ Alkmaar crushes NEC Nijmegen 5-1 in the KNVB Cup final!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.