Former Real Madrid Coaches: Where Are They Now?

The glamour and prestige of managing Real Madrid come with immense pressure. The Bernabéu demands nothing less than silverware and dazzling football. For many coaches, it's a dream job, but the hot seat can quickly turn scalding. What happens to these managers after their time in the Spanish capital? Let's dive in and see where some notable former Real Madrid coaches are now.

The Galáctico Era and Beyond

Vicente del Bosque

Ah, Vicente del Bosque, a name synonymous with calm and success. This mustachioed maestro led Real Madrid through a period of great success from 1999 to 2003. Del Bosque's Madrid was known for its elegance and efficiency. He orchestrated a team of Galácticos, including Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, and Raúl, to Champions League titles in 2000 and 2002, as well as La Liga crowns in 2001 and 2003. After his departure from Real Madrid in 2003, in a decision that baffled many fans, Del Bosque took some time off before eventually taking the helm of the Spanish national team. With La Roja, he achieved unprecedented success, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 European Championship, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest managers of all time. After retiring from coaching in 2016, Del Bosque has remained a respected figure in the football world, often offering his insights and opinions on the game. His approach to management, characterized by its man-management skills and tactical flexibility, remains influential. Del Bosque’s post-Real Madrid career proves that sometimes, the quietest leaders achieve the loudest results. His time at Real Madrid was a golden era, and his subsequent achievements with Spain only amplified his legendary status.

Carlos Queiroz

Following Del Bosque was Carlos Queiroz, who had a less glittering spell. Queiroz arrived in 2003 with a reputation for being a meticulous tactician, having served as Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United. His tenure at Real Madrid, however, was short-lived and ultimately unsuccessful. Despite having a star-studded squad at his disposal, Queiroz failed to deliver the expected silverware. Real Madrid finished fourth in La Liga in the 2003-04 season and were knocked out of the Champions League by Monaco. The team's performances were inconsistent, and Queiroz struggled to find the right balance in the team. After being dismissed in 2004, Queiroz returned to Manchester United as Ferguson's assistant once again. He later managed Portugal, Iran (twice), Colombia, and Egypt. His second stint with Iran was particularly notable, as he led them to consecutive World Cup appearances in 2014 and 2018. Queiroz's career has been a mix of highs and lows, with his time at Real Madrid being a significant low point. Nevertheless, he has remained a respected figure in international football, known for his tactical knowledge and his ability to organize teams defensively. His extensive experience in various leagues and national teams has made him a valuable asset to any organization. Queiroz's journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of football management, where even the most experienced coaches can struggle to find success in certain environments.

José Antonio Camacho

Next up is José Antonio Camacho, who had a very brief and tumultuous time at the helm. Camacho, a former Real Madrid player, took over as manager in 2004 but resigned after just a few matches due to disagreements with the club's management. His tenure was so short that it barely registered in the collective memory of Real Madrid fans. After leaving Real Madrid, Camacho went on to manage Benfica, Osasuna, and the Chinese national team. His time with the Chinese national team was particularly challenging, as he struggled to improve their performances and ultimately failed to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Camacho's career has been marked by periods of success and periods of struggle. While he is highly regarded in Spain for his passion and dedication, his time at Real Madrid remains a footnote in his career. His experience highlights the importance of having a harmonious relationship between the manager and the club's hierarchy, as even a coach with a strong connection to the club can find it difficult to succeed in a dysfunctional environment. Camacho's journey is a reminder that football management is not just about tactical expertise but also about navigating the complex politics within a club.

Vanderlei Luxemburgo

Vanderlei Luxemburgo arrived with a big reputation but failed to translate his Brazilian success to the Bernabéu. Luxemburgo, known for his flamboyant style and tactical innovation, was appointed as Real Madrid manager in December 2004. His arrival was met with excitement, as he was expected to bring a fresh approach to the team. However, his tenure was short-lived, as he was dismissed less than a year later due to inconsistent results and a perceived lack of progress. After leaving Real Madrid, Luxemburgo returned to Brazil, where he continued to manage various clubs, including Santos, Flamengo, and Palmeiras. He has remained a prominent figure in Brazilian football, known for his outspoken personality and his ability to develop young talent. Luxemburgo's time at Real Madrid was a humbling experience, as he struggled to adapt his methods to the demanding environment of European football. Nevertheless, he has continued to enjoy success in Brazil, proving that his tactical acumen is still highly valued. His journey highlights the challenges faced by coaches who try to implement their philosophies in different cultural contexts. Luxemburgo's story is a reminder that what works in one league may not necessarily work in another.

Recent Figures and Their Journeys

Manuel Pellegrini

Manuel Pellegrini brought a sense of calm but ultimately fell short of expectations. Pellegrini, known for his methodical approach and his emphasis on attacking football, took over as Real Madrid manager in 2009. Despite leading the team to a then-club record of 96 points in La Liga, he was dismissed after just one season, as Real Madrid finished second to Barcelona. His departure was met with some surprise, as he had overseen a significant improvement in the team's performances. After leaving Real Madrid, Pellegrini went on to manage Málaga, Manchester City, and West Ham United. His time at Manchester City was particularly successful, as he led them to the Premier League title in 2014 and two League Cup victories. Pellegrini's career has been marked by his ability to build cohesive teams and his commitment to attacking football. His time at Real Madrid may have been short, but it served as a stepping stone to further success in his career. His journey demonstrates that even when things don't work out at one club, a coach can still go on to achieve great things elsewhere. Pellegrini's story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required to succeed in football management.

José Mourinho

Ah, José Mourinho, a polarizing figure but undeniably successful. "The Special One" arrived at Real Madrid in 2010 with a mission to dethrone Barcelona's dominance. Mourinho's tenure at Real Madrid was characterized by intense rivalry with Barcelona and Pep Guardiola. He managed to break Barcelona's streak, winning the Copa del Rey in 2011 and La Liga in 2012. However, his confrontational style and his failure to deliver the Champions League title ultimately led to his departure in 2013. After leaving Real Madrid, Mourinho returned to Chelsea, where he won another Premier League title. He later managed Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Mourinho's career has been a rollercoaster ride, with periods of great success and periods of turmoil. His time at Real Madrid was a defining chapter in his career, as he faced arguably his biggest challenge in trying to overcome Barcelona's dominance. Despite not achieving all of his goals, he left a lasting impact on the club and the rivalry with Barcelona. Mourinho's journey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of success and his willingness to take on any challenge. His story is a reminder that even the most successful coaches face setbacks and criticism along the way.

Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti, a master of man-management and tactical flexibility, first arrived at Real Madrid in 2013. Ancelotti delivered La Décima, Real Madrid's coveted tenth Champions League title, in 2014, as well as the Copa del Rey. Despite his success, he was surprisingly dismissed in 2015. After his first spell at Real Madrid, Ancelotti went on to manage Bayern Munich, Napoli, and Everton. He won league titles with Bayern Munich and enjoyed a successful spell with Napoli. In 2021, Ancelotti made a triumphant return to Real Madrid, leading them to another La Liga title and their 14th Champions League crown in 2022. Ancelotti's ability to connect with players and his tactical acumen have made him one of the most respected managers in the world. His two spells at Real Madrid have been marked by success and stability, making him a beloved figure among the club's fans. Ancelotti's journey is a testament to his enduring quality and his ability to adapt to different environments. His story is a reminder that sometimes, a return to familiar surroundings can bring even greater success.

Zinedine Zidane

Speaking of legends, Zinedine Zidane took over in 2016 and achieved unprecedented success. Zidane, a club legend as a player, guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles (2016-2018) and a La Liga title in 2017. He stepped down in 2018 but returned in 2019 to win another La Liga title in 2020. Zidane's calm demeanor and his ability to get the best out of his players made him a hugely successful manager. After leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021, Zidane has been taking a break from management, although he has been linked with several high-profile jobs. His legacy at Real Madrid is secure, as he is regarded as one of the greatest managers in the club's history. Zidane's journey from a world-class player to a successful manager is an inspiring one. His story is a reminder that sometimes, the best leaders are those who have experienced the game at the highest level. Zidane's impact on Real Madrid is undeniable, and his future in football management remains a topic of great interest.

What About the Others?

Many other managers have passed through the Real Madrid dugout, each with their own story. Some have faded from the spotlight, while others continue to ply their trade in different leagues around the world. The pressure and expectations at Real Madrid are immense, and not every manager can handle the heat. However, the experience of managing such a prestigious club can be a valuable one, opening doors to other opportunities and shaping their careers in unexpected ways. The stories of these former Real Madrid coaches provide a fascinating insight into the world of football management and the challenges of leading one of the biggest clubs in the world. Their journeys are a reminder that success is not always guaranteed, but that even in the face of adversity, there is always the opportunity to learn and grow.

Conclusion

The managerial carousel at Real Madrid is always spinning. While some former coaches have gone on to achieve even greater success, others have faded into relative obscurity. Regardless, their time at the Bernabéu remains a significant chapter in their careers, a testament to the allure and the challenge of managing one of the world's biggest football clubs. The pressure, the expectations, and the scrutiny are all part of the package, and only a select few can truly thrive in such an environment. The stories of these former coaches offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of elite football management and the complex dynamics that exist within a club like Real Madrid.