Jamie Carragher rules Jurgen Klopp out of two jobs and doubles down on Xabi Alonso verdict

Jurgen Klopp and Xabi Alonso both find themselves being linked with jobs at the moment, although former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has ruled them out of one high-profile role

Jamie Carragher has ruled Jurgen Klopp and Xabi Alonso out of the same job(Image: Sky Sports)

Jamie Carragher has ruled Jurgen Klopp out of taking over at Real Madrid, while also insisting neither he nor Xabi Alonso can take the Manchester United job either.

Both Klopp and Alonso are being touted for jobs, with the latter having been fired by Real last week. The former Liverpool midfielder’s dismissal had been on the cards for some time after a spell in which tensions seemed to grow with his squad at the Bernabeu.

Another former Liverpool player has been handed the reins with the Spanish giant, with Alvaro Arbeloa being promoted from the club’s academy, although reports have suggested that Klopp could be looked at as an option in the summer.

Real is claimed to be eyeing up the ex-Reds boss, who has been out of management since leaving Anfield in the summer of 2024, and has been working as Red Bull’s head of global soccer since January 2025.

Klopp has played down the prospect of him taking over in the Spanish capital, having previously suggested he isn’t interested in a return to management, and Carragher feels the Real job wouldn’t suit him.

Discussing options for Alonso’s long-term replacement, Carragher said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football: “I just don’t think Jurgen Klopp is a Real Madrid manager, I just don’t see that in terms of pressing and energy, it just doesn’t seem to suit them.”

Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the Real Madrid job(Image: )

Carragher went on to narrow down a long list of names to four options for Real - Didier Deschamps, Roberto Martinez, Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane.

United’s managerial search was also discussed, with Alonso having been linked as a potential option for Liverpool’s rival now that he has become available.

The former midfielder was reportedly discussed at Old Trafford in 2024 before the decision was made to stick with Erik ten Hag, but Alonso’s name has re-emerged following the firing of Ruben Amorim, with Michael Carrick having taken over as interim manager until the end of the season.

Xavi Alonso was fired by Real Madrid last week(Image: Getty Images)

Alonso’s name was included in a possible longlist on Monday Night Football, along with Klopp’s as options that are available, but former Liverpool defender Carragher wasn’t having any of that.

“Oh come on,” Carragher began. “I’ll tell you straight away who will not be managing Manchester United is Jurgen Klopp, so that’s out. Xabi Alonso as well.”

When he was questioned on his decision to rule out Alonso, Carragher responded: “He cannot do that. He can’t, because his affiliation with Liverpool, that can’t happen.”

His comments come after he ruled Alonso out of the United job just a few days previously during an appearance on the Stick to Football podcast.

After ruling out a host of big names, Carragher eventually reached a set of four names for United to consider - Julian Nagelsmann, Thomas Tuchel, Luis Enrique and Eddie Howe.