Jurgen Klopp: Real Madrid Job Speculation After Xabi Alonso's Shock Exit

Real Madrid have parted ways with head coach Xabi Alonso after just eight months in charge, appointing academy coach Alvaro Arbeloa as interim replacement.[1][2][3] The decision came on Monday, following a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish SuperCopa final, ending Alonso's tenure after 233 days.[2][4][5]

Alonso, who succeeded Carlo Ancelotti in the summer after leading Bayer Leverkusen to a German league and cup double in 2024, struggled at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid slipped from a five-point La Liga lead to four points behind Barcelona, amid dressing room issues involving stars like Vinícius Jr., Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé.[3] They sit seventh in the Champions League table with four wins and two losses from six games.[1] In an Instagram post, Alonso reflected: "This stage of my career has come to an end... Coaching Real Madrid has been an honour."[1]

Jurgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager who left Anfield in 2024 and now heads global soccer for Red Bull, has been linked to the vacancy.[1][3] Sky Germany reports Klopp would "seriously consider" the role, as it holds major appeal despite his previous vows to step away from management.[1][3] However, Klopp distanced himself, stating he received no calls from Madrid—"It has actually rung, but not from Madrid"—and the sacking has "nothing to do with me."[2][4][5][7]

Speaking to ServusTV, Klopp expressed sympathy for Alonso, calling him an "outstanding coaching talent" whose quick exit after Leverkusen's success signals deeper issues at Real Madrid: "It shows that nowadays there’s no time anymore... the demands... are enormous."[1][2][3][4] He noted challenges succeeding a legend like Ancelotti, with early rumors of squad discord.[2][5] One report claims Klopp has turned down the job.[6]

Arbeloa, a former Real player, takes interim charge as the club eyes a long-term successor amid ongoing La Liga and European campaigns.[1][2][3]

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