Madrid, Spain – January 14, 2026 – Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has firmly dismissed speculation linking him to the vacant managerial position at Real Madrid, just days after the club parted ways with Xabi Alonso after only seven months in charge. The 58-year-old German, who has been out of frontline management since stepping down from Liverpool in the summer of 2024, insisted that Alonso's exit had "nothing to do with me" and emphasized that he has received no contact from the Bernabéu hierarchy.
Klopp, currently serving as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull, made his comments while appearing as a pundit on Austrian broadcaster ServusTV shortly after the bombshell announcement of Alonso's departure. When asked if his phone had started ringing in the wake of the news, Klopp replied with characteristic candor: "It actually has – though not from Madrid. But yes, there were definitely a few people who felt they had to contact me directly about it!"
He went on to express genuine surprise at the decision, highlighting Alonso's impressive track record at Bayer Leverkusen, where he delivered an unbeaten Bundesliga title and domestic cup double in 2023-24. "If Xabi Alonso, who over the last two years in Leverkusen has shown what an outstanding coaching talent he is – and I think at his age and with the number of jobs he’s had, you can say that – is then forced to leave Madrid just six months later, it shows a few things," Klopp said. "In general, it's a sign that not everything there is 100 per cent right... When you come in after a legend and an incredibly successful coach like Carlo Ancelotti, who had a very specific way of managing his teams, and then try to introduce new rules, that has now proven to be too difficult. I really feel sorry for him, because I consider him a great coach."
The dismissal of Alonso came as a major shock across European football. Real Madrid announced the split on January 12, 2026, describing it as a "mutual agreement" following a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the day prior. Alonso, a former Real Madrid player and club legend, had taken over from Ancelotti in the summer of 2025 with high expectations after his success at Leverkusen. In his 34 matches in charge, he recorded 24 wins, four draws, and six losses—a solid win percentage that ranked among the better starts for Madrid managers historically. However, underlying issues, including reported dressing-room tensions—particularly with star forward Vinicius Junior—and inconsistent results in key competitions, contributed to the swift end of his tenure.
Real Madrid wasted little time in naming a replacement, promoting Álvaro Arbeloa, the 42-year-old former defender who played alongside Alonso during their time at Liverpool and Madrid. Arbeloa, who had been coaching the club's reserve team (Castilla) after progressing through the academy setup, was appointed immediately. The club's statement praised Alonso's legacy as a "Real Madrid legend" who embodied the club's values and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Klopp's comments underscore his ongoing commitment to stepping away from the intense pressures of day-to-day club management. He left Liverpool after nine transformative years, during which he delivered the Premier League title in 2019-20 (ending a 30-year wait), the Champions League in 2019, and multiple domestic cups. Citing burnout and a need to recharge, Klopp described himself as "running out of energy" at the time of his departure. Since January 2025, he has embraced a strategic executive role at Red Bull, overseeing soccer operations across the group's global network of clubs, a position that allows him to influence the game without the daily grind of coaching.
Despite occasional rumors of a return—including fleeting links to Liverpool amid early challenges for successor Arne Slot—Klopp has repeatedly indicated no immediate plans to return to the dugout. His response to the Real Madrid vacancy aligns with previous statements, where he has expressed contentment in his current role and a desire to avoid environments with limited patience for long-term projects.
The situation at Real Madrid highlights the relentless expectations at one of world football's most demanding clubs. Under president Florentino Pérez, the club has seen numerous managerial changes, with Alonso becoming the latest to depart prematurely amid player power dynamics and high-stakes demands for immediate success. Reports suggest behind-the-scenes friction, including public disagreements over tactics and substitutions, played a significant role in the decision.
Klopp's defense of Alonso and his critique of the circumstances at Madrid reflect broader concerns in elite football about the shrinking patience for coaches, even those with proven pedigrees. He noted that the swift sacking "shows that nowadays there’s no time anymore" and that the "expectations at Real Madrid are obviously enormous."
As Real Madrid moves forward under Arbeloa, speculation about a permanent successor will intensify in the coming months. Names like Zinedine Zidane have been mentioned in passing, but for now, Klopp has made it clear he is not in the frame. The German icon remains focused on his Red Bull responsibilities, content to observe from afar as one of football's most high-profile vacancies unfolds.
This development serves as a reminder of the unique pressures at the top level, where even club legends like Alonso can face abrupt endings. Klopp's measured response reinforces his post-Liverpool philosophy: prioritizing well-being over relentless pursuit of the next big job.
