Jurgen Klopp Made Feelings Clear on Real Madrid Job as Plan Emerges

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has firmly dismissed speculation linking him to the Real Madrid job following Xabi Alonso's shock departure from the club after just 232 days in charge. Speaking on German TV station Servus TV, Klopp revealed that while his phone "started ringing" with inquiries after Alonso's exit, the contact came from individuals rather than official club sources—and it sparked no interest from him.[1][2]

Real Madrid announced on Monday that Alonso had mutually agreed to leave, a decision that stunned the football world. Reports suggest tensions boiled over, including a tactical dispute between Alonso and striker Kylian Mbappe ahead of a Barcelona clash, and a disagreement with president Florentino Perez on the same day. The move came in the "heat of the moment" after losing a cup final to Barcelona, highlighting the enormous expectations and lack of patience at the Bernabéu.[1][2]

"It actually has [started ringing]—though not from Madrid," Klopp said. "On the one hand, it shows that nowadays there's no time anymore. On the other, the expectations at Real Madrid are obviously enormous. This has absolutely nothing to do with me, and it didn't trigger anything for me either." He admitted genuine surprise at Alonso's sacking, praising the ex-Leverkusen coach as an "outstanding talent," before responding to messages with "various emojis" or emails.[1][2]

Instead of an interim appointment, Real promoted former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa from the Castilla youth team. Klopp, who left Liverpool in summer 2024 citing a lack of energy, now enjoys a less stressful role as Red Bull's Global Head of Soccer. He has hinted at possible retirement from management but reaffirmed no desire to return, especially not to Madrid.[1][2][3]

The episode underscores Madrid's high-stakes environment, where even proven coaches like Alonso face swift exits amid poor results.

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