Xabi Alonso's departure from Real Madrid was unexpected. However, there have been grumblings going on, especially with the club's star players, for some time. Álvaro Arbeloa replaced him, but no one expects the former Los Blancos defender to be there in the long term. This is especially after Arbeloa lost his first game in charge to the Segunda Division side, Albacete Balompié, in the Copa del Rey.
Arbeloa was promoted from the Real Madrid youth teams, but the club needs someone with a more impressive CV at the helm. Sky Germany has reported that "Jürgen Klopp is seriously considering a return as head coach should Real Madrid make a concrete move for the summer, as exclusively revealed.
"Real 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. Klopp and Real Madrid - one to watch for summer 2026."
Does Jurgen Klopp now have the energy to return to management?
Klopp left Liverpool after nine years in charge due to fatigue. This is no surprise as he won the club their first ever Premier League title and took them to three Champions League finals, winning one. He also won the FA Cup, EFL Cup twice, Community Shield, Super Cup, and Club World Cup with the Reds.
After leaving Liverpool, Klopp became head of global soccer at Red Bull. In this role, he oversees the energy drink's clubs, which include RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Bragantino, and RB Omiya Ardija. He also has a say in the teams they have a stake in, such as Leeds United and Paris FC.
After being out of management since 2024, Klopp may now feel rejuvenated to return to the club game. This would make Real Madrid a perfect fit for him. However, if he does not have the energy to manage a club like Los Blancos, then the German national team would make sense.
International soccer is not as demanding as managing one of the biggest club sides in the world. Germany may also be looking for a new manager should Julian Nagelsmann depart after the World Cup this summer. Klopp never played for Germany, but could make amends for this by coaching his country.