Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been linked with Real Madrid amid rising pressure on Xabi Alonsi and he has already confirmed his stance on a potential switch
Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp is current serving as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer(Image: Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
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Jurgen Klopp would be receptive to a move to Real Madrid, reports have suggested as speculation intensifies that the Spanish giants could soon target the former Liverpool manager.
Los Blancos have suffered a difficult spell under Xabi Alonso, with suggestions that his position could be under threat if they fail to secure victory against Manchester City in Wednesday's Champions League fixture.
Ex-Liverpool manager Klopp is believed to be among the leading contenders to succeed Alonso should Real Madrid decide to make a managerial change - and it appears the German would be open to relocating to Spain.
READ MORE:Xabi Alonso gets clear Liverpool appointment verdict and told differences to Real Madrid job
According to Brazilian media reports from earlier this year, Klopp was already growing frustrated with his position as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, and would contemplate leaving for two particular opportunities: Real Madrid and the Brazil national team.
The Brazil position is presently occupied, with Carlo Ancelotti due to lead the country through their World Cup campaign. Discussing the possibility of returning to management earlier this year, Klopp stated on the Diary of a CEO podcast: "I said I will never coach a different team in England. So that means if [Klopp returns] it's Liverpool.
"So yeah, theoretically it's possible. I love what I do right now, I don't miss coaching. I don't. I mean I do coach, just different, not players. And I don't miss it.
"I don't miss standing in the rain two-and-a-half, three hours. I don't miss going to press conference three times a week, having 10-12 interviews a week. I don't miss that.
Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso is under growing pressure at Real Madrid
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"I don't miss being in the dressing room in the sense that I don't have it often enough, I coached 1,080 something games. So, I was in the dressing room very, very often.
"I'm 58, that's from your perspective, old from the other side, it's not that old. That means I could make the decision in a few years. I don't know.
"[If] I had to make the decision today, I won't coach again but thank God I don't have to do that. I can just see what the future brings."
While Klopp might be open to a move to Spain, it seems Alonso isn't quite ready to bid farewell to Real Madrid. When questioned if he still had the backing of his team, the Spaniard responded: "Yes.
"The team is united, the team is convinced," Alonso continued. "Everyone is convinced we can win tomorrow. Nobody has doubts. But for that, we have to play with a good rhythm, intensity, and compete."