With Xabi Alonso leaving Real Madrid, fellow Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp is tipped to succeed him, but it probably won’t work out.
The writing was on the wall for Alonso at Madrid.
The structure of that iconic club was never more apparent than when the players turned on the former Liverpool midfielder. A coach at the Bernabeu is as secure as his relationship with the stars is.
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Jurgen Klopp is tipped to take the Madrid job, but the problems that derailed Alonso’s short spell will be just as prevalent if the German is to take charge.
Will Xabi Alonso be Liverpool manager by the start of the 2026/27 season?
If no, where will he be instead?
Xabi Alonso pictured during Real Madrid's La Liga match against Real Betis at the Bernabeu (Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto
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Jurgen Klopp’s philosophy is anti-Real Madrid
The great Klopp teams at Liverpool were pitted against Los Blanco’s on a number of occasions.
The fixture always had the feel of two opposites attracting. The prestigious institution of European football that is Real Madrid, against the rebellious, hungry Liverpool.
Alonso lost the dressing room because the players didn’t want the hands-on style and highly demanding preparation that he tried to bring across from Bayer Leverkusen.
Xabi Alonso looks worried on the touchline during Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League match against Manchester City at the Bernabeu.
Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images
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Look at the last manager. Carlo Ancelotti took those players under his arm more than he drilled in tactics. And that works there.
If Klopp were to take the reins at Madrid, it would be even more of a shock to the system than Alonso. His method is full-on, die for the badge, run more than any other team. Some of the biggest stars in that team would shudder at the thought.
It’s been widely known for a while now that Madrid is 90% the players, 10% the coach.
Klopp is too big a character for a 10% stake.
Real Madrid circus could be an opportunity for Liverpool
As the most decorated European champions in England and Spain respectively, Liverpool and Madrid are always at odds.
The way Madrid looks to be fading from dominance will be music to the ears of those at Anfield.
But the transfer aspect of this could be equally promising.
Madrid are clearly in need of drastic change. That could entail a reworking of the squad — a squad that contains plenty of talent that has been on Liverpool’s radar.
Liverpool have eyed Eduardo Camavinga for some time, and he would be a perfect addition to Arne Slot’s midfield. In a similar vein, Rodrygo continues to be linked to Liverpool, and his time at the Bernabeu could be drawing to a close.
You’ve got £80m to fix Liverpool’s midfield this summer, who are you buying?
Elliot Anderson applauds after Nottingham Forest's Premier League match against Manchester United at the City Ground (Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington).
Adam Wharton pictured playing for Crystal Palace in the UEFA Conference League match against Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park (Credit: Getty Images/Jacques Feeney/Offside).
Warren Zaire-Emery looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between PSG and VfB Stuttgart at Stuttgart Arena (Credit: Getty Images/Aurelien Meunier/PSG).
Sandro Tonali pictured in action during Newcastle United's Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg against Manchester City at St James' Park (Credit: Getty Images/Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington/Jacques Feeney/Offside/Aurelien Meunier/PSG/Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
No one wants to see Klopp in the dugout at Madrid. He would do well to steer clear. Even if he does go, though, there might be a way for the Reds to get the last laugh.
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