Fabrizio Romano Explains Key Factor Needed for Jurgen Klopp to Join Real Madrid

Speculation linking Jurgen Klopp to the Real Madrid managerial position intensified following Xabi Alonso's abrupt dismissal after just six months, amid a Supercopa final loss. Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg reported that Klopp, currently head of global soccer at Red Bull, is seriously considering a return to coaching if Real Madrid makes a concrete summer move, viewing the club and the Germany national team as the only projects capable of luring him back.[1][2]

However, Klopp quickly distanced himself during a pundit appearance on ServusTV, laughing off rumors: "My phone did actually ring—but not from Madrid. This has absolutely nothing to do with me." He expressed sympathy for Alonso, calling him an "outstanding coaching talent" and criticizing the short tenure as a sign that "something isn’t quite right" at Real Madrid, adding that coaches "no longer have any time."[1][2]

Fabrizio Romano, in his YouTube update, has cooled the links, revealing the key factor: the move must originate from Klopp himself. "The answers I’m getting... he’s really appreciated internally by some people [at Real Madrid]. But it must start from Jurgen Klopp. It’s not going to be Real Madrid asking Klopp ‘would you like to return.’ This is not Real Madrid style," Romano stated. Real Madrid would only consider Klopp in summer 2026 if interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa departs—which isn't guaranteed—and only if Klopp publicly signals his intent to resume coaching.[1][3][5]

Romano emphasized: "If he decides to return to coaching, Madrid will consider him... This is something that must be started by Klopp." At present, Klopp remains focused on Red Bull, with no links to Alonso's exit. Reports also suggest Spanish claims of Klopp demanding squad changes, including centre-backs, but Romano stresses internal appreciation without proactive pursuit.[2][3]

Real Madrid informed Arbeloa his role is probationary: success could secure it, failure opens the door for alternatives like Klopp, though nothing is promised.[3]

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