Klopp Breaks Silence on Alonso's Shocking Real Madrid Departure Amid Swirling Job Speculation
Jürgen Klopp has dismissed rumors linking him to the Santiago Bernabéu following Real Madrid's choice to dismiss coach Xabi Alonso.
Alonso was dismissed from his position after merely seven months at the helm following the Super Cup loss to Barcelona, after overseeing a string of disappointing results and failing to gain complete support from the squad.
Former Castilla coach Álvaro Arbeloa has taken temporary control, having been long considered as a possible replacement, but rumors continue regarding potential moves for other managers like Klopp, who coincidentally appeared on ServusTV just hours following Alonso's departure.
When questioned if his phone had been buzzing about the position, Klopp chuckled: "It has indeed—though not from Madrid.
"But certainly, there were several individuals who felt compelled to reach out to me directly regarding this matter. Initially, I believe it's yet another indication that things aren't functioning properly there currently.
A lot of managers don't get time at Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso was one of them. pic.twitter.com/IqsdFc0qi5
"When Xabi Alonso, who during the past two seasons at Leverkusen has demonstrated what an exceptional coaching ability he possesses—and I believe at his age and considering his career trajectory, this can be stated—is subsequently compelled to depart Madrid after just six months, it reveals several things.
"Firstly, it demonstrates that in today's game there's no patience remaining. Additionally, the pressure at Real Madrid is clearly immense. Making such a decision impulsively, following yesterday's cup final defeat to Barcelona, speaks volumes. I believe we had been hearing whispers for some time.
"And regarding this—I'm unsure if that's what your inquiry was leading to—but this has zero connection to me, and it didn't spark anything within me either, which would likely have been the subsequent question.
"I was taken aback, that's accurate—truly taken aback. Subsequently several people contacted me, and I responded with different emojis."
Klopp 'Super Appreciated at Real Madrid'
Klopp 'Super Appreciated at Real Madrid'
Klopp has remained out of coaching since leaving his position at Liverpool during summer 2024, stating he lacked the drive to remain on the sidelines.
He subsequently accepted a position as Red Bull's Global Head of Soccer, yet Klopp continues to be associated with a managerial comeback. The Real Madrid position has frequently been discussed, to the extent that Red Bull executive Oliver Mintzlaff needed to publicly refute the rumors last month.
Based on reports from Fabrizio Romano, numerous figures within Madrid respect Klopp tremendously, with president Florentino Pérez counted among his supporters, though there are currently no discussions between the German and Los Blancos.
Klopp, meanwhile, has acknowledged he might never return to coaching, stating he is completely satisfied with his Red Bull role which lacks the same daily pressures that accompany managing at elite levels.
He has, nevertheless, declined to completely dismiss a comeback, though there have been no signs that he would be willing to accept another position currently.