Jurgen Klopp addresses Real Madrid speculation following Xabi Alonso’s shock dismissal

Jurgen Klopp has moved swiftly to shut down talk linking him with the Real Madrid job next season after Xabi Alonso was abruptly relieved of his duties, with Alvaro Arbeloa stepping in as interim head coach.
Alonso, formerly of Liverpool, was dismissed at the Bernabeu on Monday after only seven months in charge. Reports from Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, cited by CaughtOffside, suggested that Klopp — Arne Slot’s predecessor at Anfield — is among the names being seriously discussed by Real Madrid’s decision-makers.
Almost two years after bringing an era-defining spell at Liverpool to an end, the 58-year-old has yet to return to frontline management. Instead, he accepted a strategic, off-pitch role as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer a year ago.
Klopp dismisses Real Madrid links
Speaking to ServusTV On following Alonso’s dismissal, Klopp was asked whether he had received any calls regarding the vacancy.
He responded candidly, explaining that while his phone had been active, none of the contact came from Madrid. He added that several people felt compelled to reach out to him directly about the situation.
Klopp suggested Alonso’s sacking was symptomatic of deeper issues at the club, pointing out that a coach who demonstrated exceptional ability during two impressive years at Bayer Leverkusen was discarded after just half a season in Madrid. According to Klopp, this reflects both the lack of patience in modern football and the extreme pressure associated with managing Real Madrid.
He noted that making such a decision immediately after a Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona spoke volumes about the environment at the club. While rumours had been circulating for some time, Klopp stressed that the situation had nothing to do with him and did not prompt any personal reaction beyond genuine surprise. He added that he simply responded to messages with a few emojis.
Why Klopp and Real Madrid don’t align
Klopp’s comments underline the unforgiving nature of life at the Bernabeu, and although his decorated résumé will always attract speculation around elite roles, a move to Real Madrid appears ill-suited for both parties.
Throughout his managerial career at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, Klopp flourished in environments where he was afforded time to build long-term projects — the polar opposite of Real Madrid’s demand for immediate success. His personality also blended seamlessly with each club’s supporters, something far less guaranteed at a club where even club legends like Alonso are quickly discarded when results dip.
While Klopp may eventually feel the pull of management again — and would have no shortage of interest — the prospect of him taking on the volatile Real Madrid role seems highly unlikely.
A future return to Liverpool in some form remains possible, as Klopp has not ruled it out. Alonso, too, could one day find his way back to Anfield as a manager after his celebrated playing career there.