Jurgen Klopp has publicly dismissed speculation linking him to the vacant managerial position at Real Madrid, stating he has received no contact from the Spanish giants following the sudden departure of Xabi Alonso.
Klopp Addresses the Rumours
Speaking to Austrian broadcaster Servus TV, the 58-year-old German was unequivocal in his response. "My phone did actually ring, but not from Madrid," Klopp revealed. He emphasised that the situation at the Bernabeu "has nothing to do with me" and did not stir any desire to return to management.
Klopp, who left Liverpool in the summer of 2024 citing a need to recharge his energy, currently serves as Red Bull's global head of football. He expressed sympathy for Alonso, who was dismissed just seven months into his tenure, less than 24 hours after losing the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona.
Alonso's Short-Lived Reign
Alonso's appointment in the summer of 2024 was seen as a homecoming for the club legend, who made 236 appearances for Los Blancos as a player. He arrived after a stunning double-winning campaign with Bayer Leverkusen, having also been linked with the Liverpool job following Klopp's Anfield exit.
However, his time in Madrid unravelled quickly amid reported tensions with the squad and disappointing results. The board's patience finally snapped after the El Clasico defeat, with the club announcing his departure "by mutual agreement" on Monday. He leaves with Real Madrid four points behind rivals Barcelona in La Liga.
Looking Ahead for Madrid and Klopp
Real Madrid have moved swiftly to appoint former player Alvaro Arbeloa, who was coaching the club's B-team, Castilla, as Alonso's successor. In a statement, the club thanked Alonso but stated a new direction was needed.
For his part, Klopp appears settled in his current role, observing the managerial merry-go-round from a distance. "It's not a bad thing to experience all of this from an observer's perspective," he said, adding that he feels he is in the right place. His comments directly contradict recent reports suggesting he would 'seriously consider' the Madrid job if offered.
