As speculation swirls about who could take over at Real Madrid next summer, Jürgen Klopp has once again addressed rumors linking him to the job, while sharply criticizing how the club treats its coaches. Speaking to Agence France-Presse, the German manager reacted to the recent dismissal of Xabi Alonso with what he described as mixed emotions.
“When I heard about Xabi Alonso, I felt a bit torn,” said Klopp, now Red Bull’s global head of soccer. “Yes, I was surprised, and no, I wasn’t surprised.”
The former Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool coach made clear that the decision fit a familiar pattern at the Spanish giant, even if it still felt jarring.
Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga and German Cup double in 2024, was fired after just six months in charge at Madrid and replaced by his former teammate Álvaro Arbeloa. Klopp admitted his initial reaction was disbelief.
“I thought, ‘How is that possible?’ And then I said, ‘Of course,’” Klopp explained, pointing to past precedent at the club. He specifically referenced Jupp Heynckes, who was fired in 1998 despite winning the Champions League that same season.
“That’s how it always is in Madrid when they are not at the top of the standings,” Klopp said.
Klopp did not stop at commentary. He also offered pointed advice to the Real Madrid board about long-term planning.
“My recommendation would be that when you fire a coach, you already have an idea of who the successor will be,” he said. “And that it’s realistic. If you think you can sign Pep, I would say the chances are not especially high.”
The comment was widely interpreted as a thinly veiled critique of Madrid’s frequent managerial turnover and ambitious, often speculative, shortlists.
Once again, Klopp played down any personal interest in taking over at the Bernabéu. He stressed that he is content in his current role and not looking for a return to daily coaching duties.
“I’m at a point in my life where I’m completely satisfied with my situation,” he said. “I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
He also dismissed reports of Madrid’s supposed interest as media-driven speculation. “I don’t get nervous when I hear that Real Madrid is supposedly interested, if that’s even true,” he said.
Still, when asked about a possible return to the bench in general, Klopp was more nuanced. “Right now I would say no,” he admitted. “But I can never say never, never, never. I don’t expect to change my mind, but I don’t know.”