Jurgen Klopp has emerged as a serious candidate for the vacant managerial position at Real Madrid, with reports indicating the former Liverpool boss would be open to taking the role at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid in Turmoil After Alonso Sacking
The managerial merry-go-round at the Spanish giants was set in motion on Monday, 13th January 2026, when the club announced the sacking of head coach Xabi Alonso. His tenure ended following a defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
In a swift move, Real Madrid installed reserve team manager and former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa as Alonso's replacement. However, the club has not clarified whether this is a permanent appointment or an interim solution, leaving the door open for further changes.
Arbeloa remained coy about his long-term status at his first press conference, 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, currently second in La Liga and four points behind Barcelona, faces a crucial period with Copa del Rey and Champions League fixtures this month.
Klopp's Open Door to the Bernabeu
According to a report from Sky Sports, Jurgen Klopp is a leading contender should Real Madrid decide to make another managerial change. The 58-year-old German, currently serving as Red Bull's head of global soccer, is said to hold a major appeal for the idea of managing the 15-time European champions and would give the role serious consideration if approached.
Klopp, who left Liverpool in May 2024 citing a need to recharge, has not returned to frontline management since. He recently confirmed, however, that a comeback is now "theoretically possible." Speaking on The Diary of a CEO podcast in October, he clarified his stance on a future in England, saying, "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."
He also admitted that his phone had been ringing following Alonso's dismissal, though not from Madrid, telling German broadcaster ServusTV On, "(My phone) actually has (been ringing) - though not from Madrid. But yes, there were definitely a few people who felt they had to contact me directly about it!"
What Would Lure Klopp Back?
Despite the links to one of football's biggest jobs, Klopp has been clear that he does not miss the daily grind of management. He listed the aspects he is happy to be without, including "standing in the rain for two-and-a-half or three hours" and the relentless media schedule.
When asked what could draw him back into a dugout, he was non-committal, affirming, "I don't even know exactly, I love what I do right now." This leaves his future intentions ambiguous, but the prospect of taking charge at the Santiago Bernabeu is understood to be a uniquely tempting proposition that could potentially alter his plans.
The coming weeks will be critical for Real Madrid's hierarchy as they assess Arbeloa's impact and the team's performance. With the season at a pivotal point, the decision on whether to stick with their club legend or pursue a global superstar like Klopp will define their campaign.
