Real Madrid have made a dramatic change in the dugout, sacking manager Xabi Alonso and installing former player Alvaro Arbeloa in his place. The seismic shift at the Bernabeu has immediately sparked speculation over a potential move for Liverpool icon Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp's stance on the Bernabeu hot seat
According to reports from Sky Sports, Jurgen Klopp would give serious consideration to an approach from Real Madrid should the Spanish giants make contact. The 58-year-old German, who left Liverpool in May 2024 citing a need to recharge, is currently employed as Red Bull's head of global soccer. Despite being under a long-term contract with the energy drink company, the prospect of managing the 15-time European champions is understood to hold significant appeal for Klopp.
The managerial vacancy arose after Real Madrid confirmed the dismissal of Xabi Alonso on Monday, January 13, 2026. Alonso's tenure ended following a defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The club swiftly turned to reserve team boss and former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa, though it remains unclear whether his appointment is interim or permanent.
Klopp's path back to management
Since his emotional departure from Anfield, Klopp has steadfastly avoided a return to frontline coaching. He initially stated he would not coach for at least a year, telling fans he was "running out of energy." However, in a notable shift during an appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast in October, Klopp indicated a return was now "theoretically possible."
"I said I will never coach another team, a different team, in England. So that means if then it's Liverpool … yeah. Theoretically it's possible," Klopp explained. He added, "I'm 58, that means I could make the decision in a few years, I don't know. Do I have to make the decision today? Then I will not coach again. But thank God, I don't have to do that."
Despite this openness, Klopp has also expressed contentment with his current role, stating he does not miss the daily grind of management, including press conferences and training in poor weather.
Real Madrid's turbulent situation
The Spanish capital club finds itself in a precarious position. Currently second in La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona, the pressure is on to salvage their season. The club has not ruled out making another managerial change if Arbeloa's stint fails to turn fortunes around.
At his inaugural press conference, Arbeloa was evasive about his job title, simply stating, "I've been here 20 years at my home. I can tell you that I'll be here until Real Madrid tell me to go." The team faces a busy schedule with Copa del Rey, La Liga, and Champions League fixtures throughout January, relying on stars like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham to reignite their campaign.
Klopp himself acknowledged the speculation linking him to the role, revealing on German broadcaster ServusTV On that his phone had been ringing after Alonso's sacking, though not from Madrid directly. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Real Madrid's search for a saviour leads them to the door of the charismatic former Liverpool boss.
