Sergio Scariolo could succeed Chus Mateo as Real Madrid head coach

Having joined Real Madrid in 2022, where he won the EuroLeague title in 2023, Chus Mateo could be in his final season on the Merengues bench. The 56-year-old coach has been heavily criticized throughout the season and is likely to be removed for the 2025-2026 season.

Sergio Scariolo in the spotlight

According to Relevo, Sergio Scariolo would be the top favorite to replace Chus Mateo. His European experience and knowledge of Spanish basketball would be the key arguments from Madrid’s management. The Italian has been without a club since leaving Virtus Bologna in summer 2023, with whom he won the EuroCup in 2022.

The 64-year-old coach is no stranger to the country, as he has been coaching the Spanish national team since 2015, with which he has won almost everything (EuroBasket, World Cup, Olympic medals, etc.). Having also coached Baskonia (1997-1999 and 2013-2014), Real Madrid previously (1999-2002) and Malaga (2003-2008), the Italian knows Spanish basketball perfectly.

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Chus Mateo heavily criticized this season

Despite winning EuroLeague in 2023, Chus Mateo is likely to pack his bags following the Merengues’ underwhelming EuroLeague season. As a reminder, Real Madrid had a difficult campaign, finishing 8th, after a loss to Paris Basketball in the play-in (73-81). In playoffs, the Merengues were then eliminated by Olympiacos in four games.

Moreover, the Spaniard’s coaching and leadership have been strongly questioned throughout his tenure. He was no longer in good standing and the Madrilenians’ mediocre European season was the trigger for his potential dismissal. If he were to return to Real Madrid’s bench, Sergio Scariolo would likely coach Theo Maledon, who is expected to join the team next season.