Jurgen Klopp has distanced himself from speculation linking him with the vacant Real Madrid managerial position following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, insisting the situation has “absolutely nothing” to do with him.
Alonso was sacked earlier this week after just eight months in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu, despite winning 24 of his 34 matches.
His final game was a Spanish Super Cup defeat to rivals Barcelona, a result that reportedly accelerated the club’s decision. Former Real defender Alvaro Arbeloa has been placed in interim charge.
Klopp reacts to Alonso’s exit
Speaking as a pundit on Servus TV, Klopp admitted he was surprised by Real Madrid’s decision but ruled out any personal interest in the role.
“It actually has [been ringing] – though not from Madrid,” Klopp said when asked about contact following Alonso’s sacking. “A few people felt they had to contact me directly about it.”
He added: “I was surprised, that’s true – genuinely surprised. If Xabi Alonso, who over the last two years in Leverkusen has shown what an outstanding coaching talent he is, is then forced to leave Madrid just six months later, it shows a few things.”
Klopp suggested the episode reflected deeper issues at the club rather than Alonso’s ability. “First of all, it’s another sign that something isn’t quite right there at the moment,” he said. “On the one hand, it shows that nowadays there’s no time anymore. On the other, the expectations at Real Madrid are obviously enormous.”
No return to the dugout planned
The former Liverpool manager was emphatic that Alonso’s departure had no bearing on his own plans. “This has absolutely nothing to do with me, and it didn’t trigger anything for me either,” Klopp said.
Klopp stepped away from club management in 2024 after leaving Liverpool and now works as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull. He has consistently downplayed the idea of an imminent return to frontline coaching.
Speaking on the Diary of a CEO podcast in October 2025, Klopp said: “I don’t miss coaching. I don’t miss standing in the rain… I don’t miss press conferences. I’m in a project I really love right now.”
Madrid search continues
Real Madrid are expected to consider several high-profile options for the role. Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is currently among the favourites, while Zinedine Zidane has again been linked with a potential third spell at the club.
For now, Klopp remains on the sidelines, making it clear that the Bernabeu vacancy is not on his agenda.