Former Liverpool defender doubts Klopp will ever join Real Madrid – ‘He is burnt out’ | OneFootball

Former Liverpool and Bayern Munich defender Markus Babbel has expressed strong doubts about Jurgen Klopp returning to management any time soon, especially not as Real Madrid boss.

Despite recent reports suggesting Los Blancos have made informal approaches to Klopp to gauge his interest, Babbel insists it is highly unlikely that the German will take the job, especially with Carlo Ancelotti potentially leaving in the near future.

Babbel highlighted Klopp’s recent decision to step away from football due to exhaustion and the intense pressure that comes with managing at the top level.

“I’m not sure if Klopp will ever manage again,” Babbel said.

“I also don’t see him accepting the Real Madrid job if Carlo Ancelotti leaves this summer and he’s offered the position.”

Pressure on Ancelotti

He added that while Klopp achieved incredible success at Liverpool, the stress took its toll on him.

Taking over a demanding role like Real Madrid, especially after Ancelotti’s struggles, might not be appealing to the former Reds boss.

“He left Liverpool because he was burnt out. The pressure was too much, and it’s even worse at Real Madrid. One or two bad results and you’re already under fire.

Real Madrid have Jurgen Klopp on their radar. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“Ancelotti is feeling that pressure right now after going out of the Champions League. I don’t know if Klopp would want to walk into something like that,” Babbel explained.

“He’s got a good life now, enjoying his time away and working on an exciting project with Red Bull. Why would he give that up for more pressure?”

Xabi Alonso seen as the future at Madrid

While Babbel does not see Klopp accepting the Madrid challenge, he believes Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is the ideal candidate to eventually take the reins at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The former midfielder has impressed many in Germany with his calm, structured approach and ability to build a solid project.

“I can definitely see Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, either in 2025 or 2026,” Babbel said.

“Everyone sees it because he’s got real coaching talent. What I like about him is that he’s not rushing things.

“He’s learning at a club like Leverkusen, where the expectations aren’t overwhelming, and things are going really well,” he concluded.

Source: MARCA