Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the Real Madrid job after Xabi Alonso was sacked
Jurgen Klopp attends the Ligue 1 McDonald's football match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Paris FC at Parc des Princes stadium
Jurgen Klopp doesn't appear intent on coaching Real Madrid(Image: Jean Catuffe, Getty Images)
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Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp has said he would harbour no "regret" if he were to retire without managing Real Madrid. In fact, it appears he wouldn't feel any sense of loss if he never took charge of another club following his latest comments.
The ex-Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Mainz boss is being linked with the Real job again following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. This isn't the first time such rumours have circulated, with speculation last summer suggesting he could step into the role after Carlo Ancelotti's departure.
Klopp was also tipped as a potential future Real manager back in 2021 when his Liverpool team squared off against Los Blancos in the Champions League quarter-finals. His situation was, at the time, more complicated, given he was still at the height of his success at Anfield, but even so, he dismissed any notion he was motivated to chase the position.
"At the end of my career, if I had only three clubs then it is not too bad, eh? I would not regret it, he told reporters at the time," he told journalists almost five years ago. "When we flew out I regret we don't live here! The weather is so much better here. You are blessed!"
In a recent appearance on ServusTV On, the German was questioned about whether his phone has been buzzing since Alonso's exit. While he confirmed that it has, he clarified Real haven't been the ones calling.
"It actually has [been ringing] - though not from Madrid," he said. "But yes, there were definitely a few people who felt they had to contact me directly about it!"
Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Real Madrid, looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Deportivo Alaves and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de Mendizorroza
Xabi Alonso was sacked by Real Madrid after losing to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final(Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
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"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.
"On the one hand, it shows that nowadays there's no time anymore. On the other, the expectations at Real Madrid are obviously enormous. To make a decision like that in the heat of the moment, after losing a [Spanish Super Cup] final to Barcelona yesterday, says a lot."
Based on those remarks, it's evident Klopp isn't particularly impressed with how matters are handled in the Spanish capital. Former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa has stepped in as Real's caretaker manager following Alonso's departure just seven months into his tenure.
Global Head of Soccer Jürgen Klopp gestures during the Presentation of Jürgen Klopp As Head Of Global Soccer Red Bull at Red Bull Hangar-7
Klopp loves the weather in Spain but may not jump at the chance to manager Real(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool, in contrast, flourished under Klopp thanks to the considerable patience shown during his tenure. Admittedly, the demands to compete for Europe's most prestigious trophies might not be quite as intense at Anfield as they are in Madrid, but the atmosphere there still appears to be one where Klopp would feel at ease.
This makes perfect sense when you consider Klopp was also given significant backing and trust during his time at Dortmund and Mainz. He surpassed expectations in both roles, so it's logical a club operating under maximum pressure conditions might not suit him best.
Regardless, the Anfield legend seems satisfied in his current role as Red Bull's Head of Global Football, a post he has held for a year now. If Real are looking to make a significant appointment to fill Alonso's shoes, it appears Klopp will remain beyond their reach.
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