7 hours ago
35
Ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has firmly dismissed rumours that he'll be taking over as head coach of Real Madrid, amidst ongoing speculation about Xabi Alonso's future at the helm.
The former Reds midfielder only assumed control at the Bernabeu this summer, following a stellar run with Bayer Leverkusen where he led them to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal double in his second year.
Alonso was also touted for the managerial vacancy at Anfield after Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool, but Real Madrid swooped in to name the ex-Spanish international as Carlo Ancelotti's successor. Despite being hailed as one of Europe's most promising young coaches, Alonso has found the going tough in Madrid.
Los Blancos currently trail Barcelona by four points in the La Liga title race and suffered a defeat at the hands of Man City in the Champions League midweek.
They're presently seventh in the league phase of the competition and are on track to secure a top-eight finish.
However, with just two wins in their last eight matches, the pressure is mounting on Alonso amid whispers of unrest in the dressing room.
Former Reds gaffer Klopp has been mentioned as a potential replacement in Madrid, but he's currently serving as Head of Global Soccer for the Red Bull group.
The German decided to step back from the daily grind of management and has held his current position since the start of the year. Nonetheless, this hasn't deterred speculation about a possible return to the touchline.
Sky Sports Germany has suggested that Klopp, former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa and Zinedine Zidane are among the potential successors to Alonso.
Spanish media outlet SPORT has provided an update on the managerial situation at the Bernabeu, including comments from Red Bull's global director of football, Oliver Mintzlaff, which appear to exclude Klopp from contention.
"He has made it clear that he doesn't want to be a coach at the moment," Mintzlaff stated at an event hosted by Leipziger Volkszeitung.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Klopp, who recently announced his return to the sidelines in 2026 as a pundit for next summer's World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, sparked speculation in October when he didn't completely dismiss the idea of returning to Liverpool as manager one day.
"I said I will never coach a different team in England," he declared on the Diary of a CEO podcast. "So that means if it's Liverpool, yeah. So yeah, theoretically it's possible."
Sport also reports that Zidane is no longer in the running for the Madrid job due to his forthcoming commitment with the French national team.
They suggest that this leaves Arbeloa as the most likely candidate to replace Alonso should Los Blancos decide to change their head coach, who is expected to have at least this weekend's match against Alaves to turn things around.
English (US) ·