Report: Klopp admired by Madrid but not considered for coaching job | OneFootball

Real Madrid Keen on Xabi Alonso as Jürgen Klopp Stays Focused on Red Bull Role

Real Madrid Plot Next Move as Ancelotti Exit Looms

Real Madrid are preparing for life after Carlo Ancelotti, with the club’s hierarchy already setting the wheels in motion for a managerial change this summer. Despite a respected legacy and silverware in recent seasons, a disappointing campaign has pushed the Italian closer to the exit door.

Defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, a growing gap in the La Liga title race, and an embarrassing Champions League collapse against Arsenal have left his position untenable. Ancelotti is expected to move into international management, with Brazil ready to welcome him as their new head coach.

Attention now turns to his successor. Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to take the job, with the former Madrid and Liverpool midfielder admired for his work in Germany and his deep ties to the club’s culture.

Klopp’s Name Resurfaces – But Timing Is Key

In recent weeks, there’s been persistent speculation over whether Jürgen Klopp could be a contender for the Madrid role. The former Liverpool manager stepped down from Anfield at the end of the 2023/24 season, citing the need for rest after a highly demanding period in charge.

He currently serves as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, where he is said to be immersed in long-term strategy and overseeing structural football development across the group’s clubs. However, some reports have hinted that he may be feeling the strain in the role.

Fabrizio Romano addressed those claims in his latest YouTube update:

“I keep receiving many questions on Jurgen Klopp. I was checking on this story for weeks because we had this rumour for a long time. But what I got on this story on Jurgen Klopp is there is some people at Real Madrid having a high opinion of Klopp, really appreciating Klopp.”

Romano went on to say that no talks have taken place between Klopp and Madrid, adding:

“At the moment I’m not aware of anything advanced, also because the agent of Klopp has already gone public and clarified how happy he is at Red Bull.”

Active Role at Red Bull Reinforces Klopp’s Commitment

It’s clear Klopp hasn’t taken a backseat in his new post. Romano revealed that he’s been directly involved in ongoing projects within the Red Bull network, including discussions around the coaching vacancy at RB Leipzig:

“I’m told Klopp had direct contact with [Como manager] Cesc Fabregas a few weeks ago to speak about the Leipzig project.”

Fabregas is reportedly still deciding his future, but Klopp’s involvement shows that he remains hands-on and invested in Red Bull’s direction.

Madrid’s Focus Remains on Alonso

For all the admiration Madrid may hold for Klopp, their focus remains firmly on Xabi Alonso. Romano was clear on the matter:

“Real Madrid still believe Alonso is option number one, two and three to become the new head coach.”

While Alonso remains under contract at Leverkusen, few believe a move to Madrid would be problematic once the season concludes. Barring any major change, Alonso’s return to the Bernabéu appears a matter of time.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool perspective, this story stirs mixed feelings. There’s no denying the pride in seeing Klopp’s name still linked to elite clubs. His status in the game is unquestioned. But after a heartfelt farewell, few would have expected his name to re-emerge in the frame for such a high-pressure job so soon.

His involvement in Red Bull’s strategic direction proves that he hasn’t drifted far from the game, and for Liverpool fans, that might be both reassuring and unsettling. While there’s no suggestion of an imminent return to management, the sense that Klopp might still crave the day-to-day rhythm of coaching lingers.

Would Real Madrid be a temptation? Of course. But Klopp has always chosen projects that fit him on a deeper level. The timing doesn’t appear right, and the challenge doesn’t carry the emotional resonance that Liverpool did. Still, it’s a reminder that football moves fast—and so, perhaps, does Klopp’s desire to stay away from the dugout.