Jurgen Klopp has distanced himself from the newly vacant Real Madrid job, insisting the role has 'nothing to do with me' after Xabi Alonso was sacked on Monday night. The German was working as a pundit for ServusTV On when news of Alonso's departure broke and was asked if his phone had been ringing.
Klopp admitted he had received messages, but not from the Spanish giants. 'It actually has - though not from Madrid,' he said. 'But yes, there were definitely a few people who felt they had to contact me directly about it.' He expressed surprise at the decision, noting that Alonso had shown 'outstanding coaching talent' at Bayer Leverkusen.
The 58-year-old, who left Liverpool at the end of last season, now serves as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer. He reiterated that he is done with management, saying the vacancy 'didn't trigger anything for me'. Klopp added that the sacking reflects 'enormous' expectations at Real Madrid and a lack of patience in modern football.
Alonso lasted just seven months in charge, despite losing only six of his 34 matches. His reign was plagued by reports of behind-the-scenes turmoil, and the final straw came with a cup final defeat to Barcelona. Alvaro Arbeloa has taken over on an interim basis.
In a social media post, Alonso thanked the club and fans, writing: 'This chapter of my career has come to an end... I leave with respect, gratitude, and pride that I did my best.'
