Which Managers Should Real Madrid Appoint to Sell More Tickets Next Season?

Real Madrid owns one of football’s most iconic venues, and their on-field success makes them one of the most followed football clubs in the world.

Inconsistent results this season have led to the departure of Xabi Alonso, with Alvaro Arbeloa now the man in charge. He could stay on until the end of the season, but he certainly does not have the profile of the right manager for the team. We expect Florentino Perez and his team to already have some managers in mind to replace Arbeloa in the long-term.

While trophies drive long-term success, the right manager can significantly boost ticket sales through fan excitement, global appeal, and guaranteed "must-see" atmospheres. High-profile names generate hype, sell-outs for non-marquee fixtures, and premium resale values. 

In this article, we discuss managers who can come through the door at Real Madrid and make their team much stronger than it is, while making more fans by Real Madrid tickets, which is one way the clubs makes money. For resale or upcoming fixtures, LocoTickets.com helps compare verified deals amid fluctuating availability.

Why managers matter in ticket sales at Real Madrid

When top teams visit the Bernabeu, tickets are always sold out, but for midtable opponents, the manager at the Madrid dugout plays a key role in the amount of tickets the club sells. Here is how it happens:

• Star power & legacy: Managers who are the club’s former legends, like Zinedine Zidane or global icons like Jurgen Klopp, create so much buzz, and this leads to fans buying tickets for every game.
• Attacking/entertaining style: Every fan wants to be entertained when they watch a match, and managers create high-scoring teams. If Madrid gets one, there will always be tickets sold out, even when the opponent is not a big team.
• Personality & media presence: One of the best ways that clubs boost their merchandise is to name a charismatic manager to their bench, and Madrid is known for taking this route most of the time.
• Immediate Impact Potential: "New manager bounce" often spikes early-season demand for tickets, and that could happen mid-season if the manager joins at that stage of the campaign.

Top managerial targets who can boost Real Madrid’s ticket sales

• Zinedine Zidane

Zidane remains an unmatched former manager at the club, having won three consecutive Champions League titles as their coach between 2016 and 2018. He has already had two very successful spells at the club, and a third one would bring more magic, so fans certainly cannot reject that chance.

What sets him apart is his calm authority, and the fans know that the players in the dressing room respect him massively, so his return will bring more fans to home games at the Bernabeu.

• Jurgen Klopp

Klopp left Liverpool as one of the world’s best coaches, and if Madrid wants high-energy football, he is the right man to make everyone talk about the Whites.

The German is enjoying a fine break with a less-intense role with the Red Bull group, but he may not turn down a chance to manage a club like Madrid.

If Klopp agrees to return to coaching with Madrid, they would probably need a much bigger stadium because his high–press attacking style of the game will help them sell more tickets.

• Jose Mourinho

Mourinho is another former Madrid manager who could light up the Bernabeu and help Los Blancos sell more match tickets. Mourinho's 2010-2013 spell delivered La Liga success amid intense rivalry drama with Barcelona. His return would divide opinions but generate enormous buzz, and we all know that controversy sells. Pérez has a history with "special" managers; Mourinho's media presence would make every press conference and game an event.

• Mauricio Pochettino

Poch has ruled himself out of ever managing Barcelona, which is good news for Madrid, as he is a fantastic modern manager. Pochettino's high-pressing, youth-focused style and entertaining football align with Madrid's identity. His Tottenham tenure created exciting nights; success with the USMNT adds global appeal. Less "legendary" than others but a safe, progressive choice.

• Unai Emery

Emery has to be one of the coaches that Madrid is considering for their next permanent manager. The Spaniard's trophy record, which includes dominating the Europa League and his pragmatic yet effective approach, could help to stabilise results quicker than some other managers. His Aston Villa success shows adaptability; he commands respect without massive hype and would bring success back to Madrid with better players.

Current Bernabéu Ticket Pricing Context

Face values remain premium but accessible for members:

• La Liga standard: €75-€195 adult.
• High-demand, e.g., El Clásico/Champions League: €300-€465+.
• Resale averages: €200- €700+, depending on opponent and seat.

A high-profile appointment could push routine games toward €150-€250 resale averages, increasing overall revenue.

Conclusion

Real Madrid’s Bernabeu is one of the dream stadiums to watch a football match, and appointing a manager that excites the fanbase will make it much easier for the club to attract more fans and make more money.

If Los Merengues plans to increase their ticket prices, doing so after one of these exciting managers has been named to the bench will hardly attract any form of criticism.

If Arbeloa ends this season with several trophies, including the Champions League, Madrid might opt to keep him as their manager instead of a new coach, but he will not make so much impact on their ticket sales, although we expect fans to still buy them to watch the club’s superstars.