Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has dismissed rumours linking him to the Real Madrid head coach position, despite growing speculation about Xabi Alonso’s future at the club.
Alonso, who played for Liverpool in the past, took over as Real Madrid’s coach this summer after a successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal in his second year.
Alonso was also considered a possible replacement for Klopp at Liverpool, but Real Madrid appointed him to succeed Carlo Ancelotti. Although Alonso is seen as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches, his time at Madrid has been difficult.
Real Madrid currently trails Barcelona by four points in La Liga and recently lost to Manchester City in the Champions League. They are seventh in their Champions League group and on track to finish in the top eight.
With only two wins in their last eight games, Alonso is under increasing pressure.
Klopp, who now serves as Head of Global Soccer for the Red Bull group, has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the Madrid job. He stepped away from daily coaching duties earlier this year but rumours about a possible return to management continue.
Reports suggest that Klopp, former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa, and Zinedine Zidane were among the candidates to replace Alonso.
However, Red Bull’s global football director, Oliver Mintzlaff has clarified that Klopp has made it clear he does not want to coach right now.
It is also reported that Zidane is unlikely to take the job due to his upcoming role with the French national team.
This leaves Arbeloa as the leading candidate to replace Alonso if Real Madrid decides to change coaches.
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