Jürgen Klopp and Real Madrid are a hot topic following a thorough report published in Germany, which has given the club an initial thought on long-term managerial hiring. The announcement is timed with a shift at Real Madrid after some changes on the touchline, as well as internal preparations for the new season.
A report by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany (January 15) states that Klopp is strongly considering returning to the coaching business in case Madrid approaches the club in good faith. According to the report, any action would be directed towards the summer of 2026, which is in line with the long-term restructuring plans of the club.
Real Madrid is now temporarily managed with the replacement of Xabi Alonso at the beginning of the month. Ex-defender Alvaro Arbeloa has temporarily replaced by the club, considering long-term solutions.
Arbeloa, who was appointed later on the same day, had to say that he is willing to stay on as long as Real Madrid wants him, but did not declare the job permanent. Later reports indicate that the board is not considering him as a permanent coach in the long-term but just a temporary one.
Klopp, who resigned from frontline management in 2024, having enjoyed a successful tenure at Liverpool, is now Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull. Nevertheless, even though he is said to be happy in the executive position, sources say that Madrid is still among the few coaching positions that may seduce him back.
The report further notes that Real Madrid is a club that Klopp has always been fascinated with, but the deal had to be under terms that suited him. The conservative nature of Madrid, with the club hierarchy in a firm grip, is known to be one of the factors.
After Alonso was fired, Klopp denied speculation when he acted as a television pundit and said that the circumstances had nothing whatsoever to do with him. He also disclosed that his phone had rang, but it was not calling Madrid, and showed empathy towards Alonso in light of the high expectations of the club.
Domestically, Madrid is reportedly drawing a broader sporting reboot in 2026 through the leadership of president Florentino Perez. According to reports, Klopp is adored at the level of the board, with other experienced applicants pursuing the same direction, since the club is in need of stabilization following recent turbulence.
No official bid has been realized at this point, and the Jurgen Klopp Real Madrid is a conditional job instead of an advanced one. The next move will be determined by the performance of Madrid under Arbeloa and whether the club will want to have its interest formalised before the summer.
