Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has responded to speculation linking him with Real Madrid after Xabi Alonso's sacking, revealing his phone has been 'ringing' but not from the Bernabeu
Nathan Ridley Senior Sports Reporter and James Caven Assistant news editor
18:31, 13 Jan 2026Updated 18:36, 13 Jan 2026
SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA - JUNE 29: Jurgen Klopp in the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls garage prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 29, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
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Klopp(Image: Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp has emerged as a potential candidate for the Real Madrid manager job - and the Liverpool legend would apparently consider the opportunity. Real confirmed the dismissal of Xabi Alonso on Monday, following a turbulent spell that culminated in defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Reserve team manager Alvaro Arbeloa has stepped up to replace Alonso. But it is still unclear whether the former Liverpool and West Ham defender is serving temporarily or has secured the permanent role.
The possibility of Los Blancos making another managerial change to rescue their campaign hasn't been dismissed. Real currently sit second in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by four points.
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 15: Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg two match between Real Madrid and Liverpool FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 15, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Ryan Pierse - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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The former Liverpool boss(Image: Ryan Pierse - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Klopp, 58, has been touted as a possible option for the role, with Sky Sports claiming that an approach from the 15-time European champions would receive serious thought. The German currently serves as Red Bull's head of global football and holds a long-term deal with the organisation, yet the prospect of taking charge at the Bernabeu reportedly holds significant attraction.
Following confirmation of Alonso's departure, Klopp featured as a pundit on Austrian broadcaster ServusTV and shared his thoughts on the Madrid situation in a message to club hierarchy. "(My phone) actually has (been ringing) - though not from Madrid," he replied, reports the Mirror.
"But yes, there were definitely a few people who felt they had to contact me directly about it!
Real Madrid's new coach Alvaro Arbeloa gives a press conference at Real Madrid Sports City in Valdebebas, in the outskirts of Madrid, on January 13, 2026. Real Madrid appointed Alvaro Arbeloa as new coach on January 12, 2026 after coach Xabi Alonso has left the club by mutual consent, a day after the team lost the Spanish Super Cup final against rivals Barcelona, AFP reports. (Photo by Oscar DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)
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Real Madrid's new coach Alvaro Arbeloa (Image: Oscar DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)
"First of all, I think it's another sign that something isn't quite right there at the moment. If Xabi Alonso, who over the last two years in Leverkusen has shown what an outstanding coaching talent he is - and I think at his age and with the number of jobs he's had, you can say that - is then forced to leave Madrid just six months later, it shows a few things."
Since leaving Liverpool in 2024, Klopp hasn't returned to the touchline. The ex-Borussia Dortmund boss cited 'running out of energy' as his reason for stepping back and vowed to take at least a year-long break from coaching.
PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 4: Jurgen Klopp attends the Ligue 1 McDonald's football match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Paris FC at Parc des Princes stadium on January 4, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
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Klopp(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
In October, Klopp featured on The Diary of a CEO podcast where he hinted that a return to the dugout could be 'theoretically possible'. He added: "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.
"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. I can just see what the future brings."
When asked about what conditions would bring him back into the dugout, Klopp replied: "I don't even know exactly, I love what I do right now.
"I don't miss coaching; I don't miss standing in the rain for two-and-a-half or three hours; I don't miss going to press conferences four times, three times a week or having 10-12 interviews a week."
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Real Madrid are set to return to the pitch on Wednesday, facing Albacete in the Copa del Rey. With two La Liga matches and two Champions League fixtures before the month's end, stars like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham are eager to get their season back on track.
In his inaugural press conference, Arbeloa played it cool when questioned about his role as Real's temporary manager.
He said: "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. I feel it is my home, and that's the way I see it."