Jurgen Klopp responds to Real Madrid links after Xabi Alonso sacking – ‘Something isn’t quite right there’ | OneFootball

Jurgen Klopp has finally addressed the growing speculation linking him with the Real Madrid job following the club’s decision to part ways with Xabi Alonso. 

With Madrid once again at a crossroads, the former Liverpool manager’s name has naturally resurfaced, given his elite pedigree and proven track record at the highest level.

Notably, Real Madrid have opted against an external appointment for now. Instead, the club promoted Alvaro Arbeloa from his role with Castilla to act as interim head coach. 

Despite internal solutions being prioritised, reports have suggested that Klopp remains highly admired within Madrid’s hierarchy, even if a move is currently unrealistic.

Reacting to the news

Speaking on German television channel Servus TV, Klopp was directly asked whether his phone had begun to buzz after Real Madrid dismissed Alonso.

“It actually has [started ringing] – though not from Madrid,” he said.

Klopp went on to explain that the reaction around Alonso’s departure had prompted conversations, even if none were linked to a return to coaching.

“But yes, there were definitely a few people who felt they had to contact me directly about it.”

The German then offered a broader view of what Alonso’s short-lived spell at Madrid represents in modern football. 

Jurgen Klopp will not join Real Madrid. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

“First of all, I think it’s another sign that something isn’t quite right there at the moment.”

Lack of patience from Real Madrid

Klopp was particularly struck by the lack of patience shown to Alonso, despite his impressive work at Bayer Leverkusen. Putting Alonso’s credentials into perspective, he said,

“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.”

He then highlighted the harsh reality facing modern managers, especially at clubs like Real Madrid, where success is demanded instantly.

“On the one hand, it shows that nowadays there’s no time anymore. On the other, the expectations at Real Madrid are obviously enormous.”

Klopp was also keen to shut down any suggestion that Alonso’s dismissal had reignited his own managerial ambitions. Making his stance clear, he stated,

“This has absolutely nothing to do with me, and it didn’t trigger anything for me either, which would probably have been the follow-up question.”

Still, he admitted the decision caught him off guard on a personal level.

“I was surprised, that’s true – genuinely surprised. Then a few people messaged me, and I replied with various emails.”