Real Madrid headed into their Copa del Rey last 16 clash with Albacete without Xabi Alonso in charge for the first time this season. Alonso parted ways with Los Blancos on Monday following a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final.
While the overall reaction from fans regarding Alonso's departure was one of regret, there was optimism when Jurgen Klopp was named as the favorite to replace him. That possibility looked to have been ruled out when the former Liverpool manager shot down the rumors and insisted he wasn't interested.
Madrid then fell to a shock 3-2 defeat to Albacete and their season went from bad to worse. The fallout from this setback has been huge with many questioning the players' desire and whether Alvaro Arbeloa will see out the rest of the season.
Jurgen Klopp update is just what Madrid fans want to hear
Klopp even highlighted his issues with Alonso's dismissal when speaking about the Madrid job. He suggested there are problems that run deep and that shouldn't have been blamed on the Spanish coach.
While his comments seemed to firmly make clear he wasn't open to a return to management, that might not be the case. Sky Sport Germany's Florian Plettenberg suggests that the 58-year-old is "seriously considering" coaching again if Los Blancos come calling in the summer.
Plettenberg wrote on his X account:
"Jurgen is seriously considering a return as head coach should Real Madrid make a concrete move for the summer, as exclusively revealed."
It's been widely reported how much Madrid appreciate Klopp and Florentino Perez called him "phenomenal" back in 2019. This is playing a role in the La Liga giants' wish to appoint him as Alonso's permanent replacement:
"Madrid have always fascinated him. He is happy at Red Bull and has a strong identification with the Red Bull project, but there are at least two projects for which he would return if everything fits: Real Madrid and the German national team."
🚨👑 Jürgen #Klopp is seriously considering a return as head coach should Real Madrid make a concrete move for the summer, as exclusively revealed.#RealMadrid have always fascinated him. He is happy at Red Bull and has a strong identification with the Red Bull project, but… pic.twitter.com/TDJ7OAiI84
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 15, 2026
Klopp spent nine years in charge of Liverpool and guided them out of difficult times and into one of the most dominant teams in Europe. He led the Reds to every major trophy on offer including the Premier League title and the Champions League.
The German left Anfield at the end of the 2023-24 campaign and took the role as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer in January 2025. But it appears he could be persuaded to head back to the dugout and this is welcome news for Madridistas.