Jurgen Klopp is about to give a huge hint about his future

Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp is being linked with Real Madrid after Xabi Alonso was fired, despite the German seemingly having played down speculation his phone could ring

Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp attends Paris FC vs Olympique Lyonnais in October 2025.(Image: Xavier Laine/Getty Images)

Xabi Alonso knew what he was getting into when he left Bayer Leverkusen to join Real Madrid in the summer. As a former player of the La Liga side, he was under no illusions about the pressures and the demands.

Ultimately, it is an almost impossible job. Alonso was so successful at Leverkusen because of the system he implemented. At the Bernabeu, vibes take precedence over pressing. One of the reasons that Liverpool was so keen to sign Florian Wirtz in the summer is the combination of supreme talent and work ethic; in contrast, good luck getting Vinicius Jr to run.

Just a few months in, Alonso has been fired, with another former Liverpool player, Alvaro Arbeloa, taking over. Though he wasn't named as an interim, the expectation is that Real Madrid will hire someone else in the summer.

Jurgen Klopp was appearing on television shortly after the news that Alonso had been dismissed emerged.

"I think the rumors have been circulating for some time now," he said. "And I know exactly what your question is getting at, but it has nothing to do with me.

"I was surprised [that Alonso was fired]; that’s true. Genuinely surprised. Then a few people messaged me, and I replied with various emojis."

Though he is happy with his current role with the Red Bull group and moved to stand up for Alonso immediately after the Spaniard was let go, Real Madrid is still said to admire Klopp.

Jurgen Klopp during the LFC Foundation Ball at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. Picture date: Friday May 23, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Liverpool. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.(Image: PA)

Indeed, Sky Germany is insistent that Klopp is a candidate for the gig and that he would consider it. The 58-year-old, it says, could be tempted into making the switch.

For all that Alonso brings a clear warning sign of how things at Real Madrid are simply not normal, it will also understandably be tempting for whoever comes next. As arguably the biggest club in the world, most coaches would find the role hard to turn down.

Working with players like Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham would be a privilege, even if it probably didn't always feel like it for Alonso, and most managers would back themselves to do better if they were tasked with the job.

And so, if there was ever a position that could tempt Klopp to return to management, it is surely Real Madrid — even with so many obvious red flags.

It is difficult to imagine him in charge at another Premier League club; PSG has Luis Enrique and is a sportwashing project; Serie A is not at the level it once was; Bayern Munich doesn't need a new coach, given how well Vincent Kompany is doing.

Perhaps Barcelona could at some point be an option, but Real Madrid is the one that has the vacancy. If Klopp is ever to coach another club, it makes sense that it would be Los Blancos.

If he doesn't show any interest in the role, then it might be a strong sign that the German is content where he is, but either way, we are about to see what the future holds.

After all, if Real Madrid doesn't prove tempting enough to return to management, what will?