In the world of football, the head coach position at Real Madrid is one of the hottest seats—only the very best managers can survive it. After Mauricio Pochettino was mentioned as a potential candidate for the Santiago Bernabéu job, many voices argued that he is not “elite” enough to lead Los Blancos.
1. Pochettino’s Tottenham legacy – but not enough
Pochettino made his mark when he guided Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final. He was highly praised for developing young players and building a cohesive style of play. However, his biggest limitation is the lack of major trophies—a crucial factor in proving a coach’s credentials when stepping into an unforgiving environment like Real Madrid.
2. Failure at PSG – a major question mark
At Paris Saint-Germain, with a star-studded squad at his disposal, Pochettino still failed to deliver the Champions League—the trophy PSG desired the most. Despite having Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé, his team lacked both explosiveness and composure in decisive moments. This raises doubts: if he couldn’t succeed with world-class talent in Ligue 1, how could he handle Real Madrid, where the pressure is far greater?
3. Real Madrid – a place only for “winners”
Real Madrid doesn’t just need a coach with a philosophy; they need a true winner. Figures who thrived at the Bernabéu, such as Zidane and Ancelotti, embodied experience, calmness, and a winning mentality. Pochettino, meanwhile, is often seen as a “good strategist” but one who lacks the cold-blooded decisiveness needed to be a champion.
4. More suitable options for Real?
As Real Madrid sets its sights on winning every competition, especially the Champions League, they may need a manager with a stronger track record than Pochettino. Names like Xabi Alonso—or even a Mourinho return—might be considered more fitting choices.
Conclusion
Pochettino is by no means a bad coach. He has the ability to build teams and nurture talent. But when it comes to Real Madrid—a club that demands near perfection—many believe that Pochettino is not “elite” enough to sit in the Bernabéu hot seat.