Jose Mourinho makes his feelings clear on Real Madrid job as Jurgen Klopp linked

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the Real Madrid job after Xabi Alonso was relieved of his duties following the team's Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona, while Jose Mourinho has ruled himself out

Jose Mourinho isn't interested in the Real Madrid job(Image: Getty Images)

Ex-Manchester United and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has dramatically ruled out a return to Real Madrid, amid rumors linking Jurgen Klopp with the position.

Xabi Alonso was shown the door after 34 games at the helm, following the team's Spanish Super Cup loss to Barcelona. Speculation is rife that Liverpool icon Klopp is considering a return to management to take the reins at the Spanish team.

While former Liverpool star Alvaro Arbeloa holds the fort temporarily, Mourinho has definitively quashed any talk of a comeback to the Spanish capital. The 62-year-old is currently managing in Portugal, leading Benfica, a team that is third in the league.

He stated: "Don't count on me for soap operas. There are good soap operas, but they're very long.

"You miss one or two episodes, and then you lose track. Don't count on me, because I don't watch soap operas."

Klopp has been absent from the touchline since stepping down as Reds boss in 2024. He recently marked a year in his new role at Red Bull as the company's Head of Global Soccer, where he oversees Red Bull's vision, scouting, coaching, and player development.

Jurgen Klopp continues to be linked with Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

Alonso was seen as a potential replacement for Klopp before Arne Slot was appointed as his successor, but he chose to remain at Leverkusen.

He was brought in to replace Carlo Ancelotti during the summer, but his spell at the Bernabeu was cut short after just six months.

In a statement, Alonso said: "This professional stage is over, and it didn't go as we would have liked.

"Coaching Real Madrid has been an honor and a responsibility.

"I thank the club, the players and above all the fans and Madrid fans for their trust and support. I leave with respect, gratitude, and pride that I did my best."

Klopp has been consistently linked with a return to the dugout since taking up a senior role at Red Bull following his departure from the Reds.

He was tentatively suggested as Slot's potential successor at Anfield in what would be a sensational comeback after the Dutchman faced mounting pressure during their difficult start to the season.

During an interview with Diary of a CEO in October, Klopp fuelled speculation of a return when he said: "I said I will never coach a different team in England so that means, if [I did return], then it's Liverpool. So, yeah, theoretically it is possible."