Real Madrid Eye Jurgen Klopp as Next Manager After Xabi Alonso Sacking

Real Madrid have parted ways with manager Xabi Alonso after just seven months, following a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The surprise announcement came on Monday, January 12, 2026, ending Alonso's tenure despite a strong win record and early team-building efforts. Squad balance issues persisted, leading to his exit.[1][3]

Alvaro Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid player and academy coach, has taken interim charge while the club searches for a long-term replacement. Real Madrid sit seventh in the Champions League table, with four wins and two losses from six games.[1][3]

Jurgen Klopp, currently head of global soccer at Red Bull since January 2025 after leaving Liverpool in 2024, has emerged as a top candidate. Sky Sports Germany reported on December 11, 2025, that Klopp would "seriously consider" the role if approached, potentially ditching his Red Bull project for the Bernabeu job.[2][3][5]

However, Klopp dismissed the speculation in an interview with ServusTV, stating the sacking "has nothing to do with me." His phone rang with messages from contacts—but not Madrid. He replied with "various emojis" and emphasized the news hasn't affected him. Klopp praised Alonso as talented but highlighted Real Madrid's immense pressures and lack of time for coaches, especially succeeding Carlo Ancelotti's legendary era.[1][3][4][8]

Alonso reflected on Instagram: "This stage of my career has come to an end... Coaching Real Madrid has been an honour." Rumors of tensions surfaced early, underscoring the challenges of implementing change at the Spanish giants.[3][4]

While Madrid's interest in Klopp persists ahead of the 2026-27 season, his bold rejection signals commitment to his current role, pouring cold water on immediate moves.[6][7]