Jurgen Klopp at risk of missing out on Real Madrid job thanks to new candidate

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is reportedly being considered by Real Madrid, with internal discussions ongoing at the Bernabeu, while Enzo Maresca is also under consideration

Jurgen Klopp could return to management(Image: Getty Images)

Enzo Maresca and Jurgen Klopp have been mentioned as potential candidates for the managerial role at Real Madrid, following Xabi Alonso's agreement to leave the club earlier this week, just seven-and-a-half months into his tenure in the Spanish capital.

Despite leading Bayer Leverkusen to Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and DFL Supercup glory in 2024, former Liverpool midfielder Alonso's stint at the Bernabeu was less fruitful, failing to secure any trophies for Los Blancos.

Alvaro Arbeloa has stepped in as interim manager while the search for a permanent replacement is underway. However, the board may be eager to swiftly appoint a more seasoned figurehead.

Arbeloa oversaw a disastrous 3-2 defeat to Segunda Division side Albacete in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, a result that the Spanish media called a "total debacle."

Sky Sports reports that Klopp is being considered for the permanent position by the La Liga team, with internal discussions about the German, who enjoyed remarkable success at both Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, taking place.

However, with Klopp currently serving in an executive role at Red Bull - a role he is deeply committed to - luring the 58-year-old back into management could prove difficult.

Enzo Maresca has been linked with Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

It's understood that Klopp would only consider a return to the managerial hot seat for Madrid or the German national team, given the right conditions.

Currently, there have been no official talks between Madrid and Klopp.

In other news, reports indicate that Maresca is also on Madrid's radar, having departed Chelsea, who subsequently brought in Liam Rosenior, earlier this month.

The Italian enjoyed significant success at Stamford Bridge prior to his departure, guiding the Blues to Europa Conference League triumph in May and clinching the Club World Cup in the summer.

However, following a run of inconsistent results, Chelsea announced they had mutually agreed to part ways with the 45-year-old on New Year's Day.

Since leaving Chelsea, Maresca hasn't just been linked with Madrid.

The seasoned manager's name has also been thrown into the hat for the Manchester United job following Ruben Amorim's firing earlier this month.

With Michael Carrick now at the helm as interim head coach for the remainder of the season, it seems unlikely that the Red Devils will be hunting for a permanent successor to Amorim before the summer window.