Amid ongoing speculation linking him to the Real Madrid bench next summer, Jürgen Klopp has once again addressed Xabi Alonso’s dismissal. The current head of global football at Red Bull admitted in comments to AFP that the news left him with mixed emotions. “When I heard about Xabi Alonso, I felt divided. Yes, I was surprised, and no, I wasn’t,” said the former Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool coach.

Alonso, who guided Bayer Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga and Cup double in 2024, was dismissed after just six months in charge and replaced by his former teammate Álvaro Arbeloa. “My first reaction was, ‘What?’ And then I said, ‘Of course,’” Klopp explained, pointing to past examples such as Jupp Heynckes, who was also sacked in 1998 despite winning the Champions League. “That’s how things usually work in Madrid when you’re not top of the table,” he stressed.

Klopp also sent a clear message to the Real Madrid board regarding their managerial decisions and squad planning. “I would recommend that when you dismiss a coach, you already know who is going to replace him,” he said, before adding: “And you need to be realistic. If you think you can sign Pep, I’d say the chances aren’t especially high.”

Once again, Klopp played down any personal interest in the Real Madrid job. “I’m at a stage in my life where I’m completely happy with where I am. I don’t want to be anywhere else,” he stated, brushing aside the rumors coming out of Spain. “I don’t get nervous when I hear that Real Madrid are supposedly interested, if that’s even true. It’s just media speculation.”

However, when asked about a possible return to coaching in general, Klopp left the door slightly open. “Right now I’d say no, but I can’t say never, never, never. I don’t think I’ll change my mind, but I don’t know,” he concluded.

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