Jürgen Klopp "Seriously Considering" Real Madrid Job

Following Xabi Alonso's surprise dismissal as Real Madrid head coach after just seven to eight months, speculation has intensified around former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp as a potential replacement. Real Madrid parted ways with Alonso on Monday, January 12, 2026, the day after a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. Despite Alonso's strong win record and efforts to reshape the squad post-Carlo Ancelotti, issues with team balance persisted, leading to his exit. Former player and academy coach Álvaro Arbeloa has taken interim charge.[1][2][3]

Sky Sports Germany reports that Klopp, currently Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull since joining in January 2025 after leaving Liverpool in 2024, would "seriously consider" the Real Madrid role if approached formally, possibly in the summer. The job holds major appeal for the 58-year-old, despite his previous statements about not missing management and enjoying his current fulfilling role away from the "coaching grind."[2][3][5][6]

However, Klopp has downplayed the rumors in interviews with Servus TV. He stated the situation "has nothing to do with me," noting his phone rang with messages—not from Madrid—but various emojis in response. He expressed surprise at Alonso's quick departure, highlighting the lack of time for coaches at Real Madrid and the "enormous" expectations following Ancelotti's legendary tenure. Klopp emphasized it shows "something isn't working perfectly there."[1][2][3][4][7]

Footage from the Super Cup final showed Kylian Mbappé ignoring Alonso's post-match instructions, adding to the drama. While Klopp remains a candidate per Sky Germany (revealed as early as December 11, 2025), he has dismissed links, focusing on Red Bull. Other names like Enzo Maresca and Zinedine Zidane are also in contention.[3][4][5]

This saga underscores Real Madrid's high-stakes environment, where even proven talents like Alonso falter under pressure. Klopp's potential return to the bench remains speculative.[1][2]