Ex-Real Madrid presidential candidate wanted to bring Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta as manager

Ex-Real Madrid presidential candidate wanted to bring Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta as manager The presidential election at Real Madrid this summer was something unprecedented but despite the best efforts of Enrique Riquelme, he couldn’t do much to dethrone Florentino Perez. That being said, some of Riquelme’s ideas have now become more relevant than ever, including his pitch to sign Jurgen Klopp as the new manager, instead of Jose Mourinho. However, Riquelme wasn’t always in favour of Klopp and in fact, had initially pitched Mikel Arteta as the next manager for Real Madrid. Riquelme had favoured Arteta According to The Athletic , Riquelme had identified Arteta as a potential successor to then-coach Alvaro Arbeloa as part of his election campaign. Arteta was Riquelme’s initial choice. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) The context came amid Arteta’s own contract situation at Arsenal, with the Spaniard having just signed a new four-year deal following the club’s Premier League triumph. The report notes that Real Madrid were the biggest club searching for a new coach at the time, and Riquelme saw Arteta as an appealing candidate. Ultimately, though, Riquelme’s campaign shifted towards Klopp, while Perez, who won the election, opted to bring back Mourinho. As a result, Arteta’s name never progressed beyond an early consideration, and the Spaniard remained fully committed to Arsenal, where he continues to build on his growing legacy. Arteta has consistently dismissed interest from elsewhere, including links to Barcelona in 2024. Mourinho has his work cut out Can Mourinho turn things around? (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images) While Real Madrid ultimately chose Mourinho, the early signs suggest the Portuguese has a significant task on his hands. Los Blancos have endured a stuttering start to the season, already sitting well behind runaway leaders Barcelona in La Liga. Performances have been inconsistent, with the team lacking intensity and cohesion, and reports have even pointed to unrest within the dressing room . That has inevitably led to questions over whether a different appointment, such as Arteta or Klopp, might have offered a smoother transition. Arteta, in particular, has proven his credentials by ending Arsenal’s long wait for a Premier League title, doing so against a dominant Manchester City. For now, Mourinho must find a way to turn things around and justify Perez’s faith. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including El Clasico , the pressure is already building.