Xabi Alonso's dismissal as Real Madrid manager immediately led to talk over his permanent replacement. Alvaro Arbeloa has taken charge of Los Blancos on a caretaker basis and many high-profile names have been suggested as possible candidates long term.
Madrid announced on Monday that Alonso had parted ways although whether he was sacked or mutually agreed to leave is still not fully understood. The decision came after Madrid suffered a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final.
One of the potential options that Florentino Perez was believed to be dreaming of bringing to the Estadio Bernabeu was Jurgen Klopp. The German is out of management but currently working as Global Sports Director at Red Bull.
Madrid's dream managerial candidate rules himself out
Klopp has already responded to speculation over a possible return to the managerial dugout at the Bernabeu. He has suggested he isn't enticed to take over from Alonso during an interview with Spox (via Madrid Xtra):
“Real Madrid interest? This has nothing to do with me and has NOT triggered anything in me.”
But it's what Klopp has said about the manner of Alonso's departure which might be a wake up for the Madrid board. He is quoted as saying (via Madrid Xtra):
“If Xabi Alonso, who showed for more than two years in Leverkusen what an extraordinary talent he is as a coach, has to leave Real Madrid only six months later, it shows you that things are not 100% at the club.”
Tension between Alonso and several players reportedly grew in recent weeks and there have been rumors of issues in the dressing room throughout the season. He succeeded Carlo Ancelotti in June last year, overseeing 24 wins in 34 games.
Klopp wants stability as a manager
Klopp's success at Liverpool came at a club that are willing to give a manager time to implement their ideas and rebuild. He arrived at Anfield with the Reds struggling to achieve Champions League qualification but transformed the team into one of the most dominant in Europe.
Liverpool won the Premier League title in 2020 and Klopp ended a 30-year title drought while also winning the Champions League during his nine year reign. He stayed on Merseyside through highs and lows and became a hero in the city not just at the club.
Klopp seems to no longer be an option for Madrid and that might stem from watching the problems Alonso ran into at the Bernabeu. Another name being linked is former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca but he similarly was at odds with the higher-ups at Stamford Bridge despite winning the Club World Cup last summer.