Image Credits: Imago Images
The managerial landscape at the Santiago Bernabeu has become one of the most discussed topics in football. Alonso’s tenure as Real Madrid manager has hit a very bad patch, with Los Blancos securing just two victories in their last eight matches across all competitions. The 44-year-old, who succeeded Carlo Ancelotti in the summer with such promise, now finds himself battling to save his job after back-to-back home defeats to Celta Vigo and Manchester City.
Of course, there has been plenty of speculation surrounding a potential Jurgen Klopp return to management, especially Real Madrid. Klopp has packed plenty into his first year since stepping into his role as Global Head of Soccer for the Red Bull group.
His focus has not been confined to boardrooms and training grounds abroad either. Back in Liverpool, Klopp is working with his son Marc on a passion project close to home: a new padel sports hub branded “Klopp’s Padel FC,” with the first UK venue set for Wavertree Sports Park in the heart of the city. The development represents yet another homecoming of sorts for the much-loved former Reds boss.
Yet even with those commitments, Klopp clearly feels there is still room in his schedule for something extra. In a recent Instagram announcement, he confirmed he will be heading back to the pitch in a different capacity, signing up as a television pundit. Klopp is set to join MagentaTV, the T-Mobile–associated broadcaster, as part of their punditry team for the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the United States.
But still, rumours persist, with Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claiming on Thursday: “Xabi Alonso is expected to be given at least the match on Sunday in Alaves. Understand in the event of a dismissal (which Real Madrid are keen to avoid), Jürgen Klopp is among the candidates.”
It feels like we can’t go a week without Klopp managerial rumours, but luckily Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has cleared the air once again. Speaking at an event this week as quoted by Seb Stafford-Bloor, Mintzlaff said:
“Jürgen has made it clear that he doesn’t want to be a coach at the moment. Whether that changes at some point in his life, of course, is possible. But I can see how passionate he is about this job, how many ideas he has, and how much he wants to develop further. Therefore, I’m completely relaxed.”
On Jürgen Klopp/Real Madrid stories. Oliver Mintzlaff said this yesterday:
“Jürgen has made it clear that he doesn’t want to be a coach at the moment. Whether that changes at some point in his life, of course, is possible. But I can see how passionate he is about this job, how…
— Seb Stafford-Bloor (@SebSB) December 11, 2025
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