Jurgen Klopp ‘slams door shut’ on Real Madrid as second boss ruled out
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Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the managerial position at Real Madrid, with Xabi Alonso under increasing pressure as Florentino Perez considers sacking himFormer Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has quashed rumours of him taking over the reins at Real Madrid amid speculation around Xabi Alonso's future. Alonso, a former Liverpool player himself, took charge at the Bernabeu after leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal double in his second year at the helm.Alonso was also tipped for the managerial vacancy at Anfield when Klopp announced his departure, but Real Madrid swooped in to name the ex-Spanish international as Carlo Ancelotti's successor.
Despite being hailed as one of Europe's brightest young managers, Alonso's short tenure in Madrid has been challenging.Currently, Los Blancos trail Barcelona by four points in the La Liga title race and suffered a defeat at the hands of Man City in the Champions League this week.READ MORE: Mohamed Salah transfer fee Liverpool could yet bank amid Saudi 'confidence'READ MORE: Liverpool hold Mohamed Salah 'fear' as transer stance becomes clear after Arne Slot meetingThey sit seventh in the league phase of the competition, and are just about on track to secure a top-eight finish.However, with just two victories in their last eight matches across all competitions, the pressure is mounting on Alonso amid rumours of unrest in the dressing room.Klopp, the former Reds boss, has been touted as a potential replacement in Madrid, but he currently serves as the Head of Global Soccer for the Red Bull group.The German tactician wanted a respite from the daily grind of management and has held his current position since the beginning of the year.Nonetheless, this hasn't deterred speculation about a possible return to the touchline. Sky Sports Germany suggested that Klopp, former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa, and Zinedine Zidane were among the potential contenders to replace Alonso.Spanish outlet SPORT suggests that Zidane has been ruled out of contention for the Madrid position owing to his forthcoming involvement with the French national team.This reportedly leaves Arbeloa as the frontrunner to succeed Alonso should Los Blancos choose to dismiss the head coach, who is anticipated to be afforded at least this weekend's fixture against Alaves to salvage the situation.SPORT has also provided fresh details regarding the managerial situation at the Bernabeu, including remarks from Red Bull's global director of football, Oliver Mintzlaff, which appear to exclude Klopp from consideration."He has made it clear that he doesn't want to be a coach at the moment," Mintzlaff stated at an event hosted by Leipziger Volkszeitung.Klopp, who recently confirmed he would be back on the sidelines in 2026 as a pundit for next summer's World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, sparked speculation in October when he refused to completely dismiss the prospect of one day returning to Liverpool as manager."I said I will never coach a different team in England," he explained on the Diary of a CEO podcast.
"So that means if it's Liverpool, yeah. So yeah, theoretically it's possible."Get 65% off Premier League kits and merchThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.