Jurgen Klopp has already spoken about managing Real Madrid with 'regret' remark

Jurgen Klopp has addressed speculation linking him with the Real Madrid job following Xabi Alonso's dismissal, revealing his phone has been ringing, but not from the Spanish team

Jurgen Klopp is currently not working in management(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp would not regret retiring from soccer management without coaching Real Madrid.

In fact, it seems he wouldn't feel he'd missed out if he never took the reins at another club, based on previous remarks. The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager is once again being touted for the Real position following the firing of Xabi Alonso.

This isn't the first time such speculation has emerged, with reports last summer indicating he could take over after Carlo Ancelotti's exit. Klopp was also mooted as a potential future Real boss back in 2021 when his Liverpool side faced Los Blancos in the Champions League quarterfinals.

His circumstances were, at that point, more complex, as he was still enjoying tremendous success at Anfield, yet even then, he rejected any suggestion he was driven to pursue the role.

He said at the time: "At the end of my career, if I had only three clubs, then it is not too bad, eh? I would not regret it. When we flew out, I regret we don't live here! The weather is so much better here. You are blessed!"

During a recent appearance on ServusTV On, the German was asked whether his phone has been ringing since Alonso's departure. While he acknowledged that it has, he made clear Real hasn't been among those calling.

Xabi Alonso has left Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

"It actually has [been ringing] - though not from Madrid," he said. "But yes, there were definitely a few people who felt they had to contact me directly about it!

"First of all, I think it's another sign that something isn't quite right there at the moment. 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.

"On the one hand, it shows that nowadays there's no time anymore. On the other, the expectations at Real Madrid are obviously enormous. To make a decision like that in the heat of the moment, after losing a [Spanish Super Cup] final to Barcelona yesterday, says a lot."

Those comments suggest Klopp holds reservations about how things are managed in the Spanish capital. Former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa has taken over as Real's interim boss after Alonso's exit, just seven months into his spell.

By comparison, Liverpool thrived under Klopp due to the significant patience afforded to him throughout his time at the club.

While the pressure to challenge for Europe's biggest honors may not be quite as relentless at Anfield as it is in Madrid, the environment there still seems to be one where Klopp would feel comfortable.

This is entirely understandable when you take into account the substantial support and trust Klopp received during his tenures at Dortmund and Mainz. He exceeded expectations in both roles, so it stands to reason that a club operating under intense pressure might not be the best fit for him.

Nevertheless, the Anfield icon appears content in his current position as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer, a role he has occupied for a year now. If Real is on the hunt for a high-profile appointment to step into Alonso's boots, it seems Klopp will continue to be out of the club's grasp.