Jurgen Klopp is currently enjoying a sabbatical from coaching after parting ways with Liverpool at the conclusion of last season.
Now serving as the Head of Global Soccer for the Red Bull Group, Klopp oversees a collection of clubs including RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, and New York Red Bulls.
As rumors surged regarding the managerial vacancy at Real Madrid following Xabi Alonso's recent departure, Klopp was questioned about any direct approaches made to him.
Jurgen Klopp on Real Madrid Job Rumours
In a swift decision, Real Madrid announced that Alvaro Arbeloa, the head coach of their 'B' team and a former Liverpool defender, will assume the role, likely on an interim basis until the season concludes.
“Yes, there were definitely a few people who felt they had to contact me directly about [the Real Madrid job],” Klopp remarked in an interview with ServusTV On.
“First of all, I think it’s another sign that something isn’t quite right there at the moment. This has absolutely nothing to do with me, and it didn’t trigger anything for me either.
“I was surprised, that’s true, genuinely surprised. Then a few people messaged me, and I replied with various emojis.”
Klopp clarified that he had not been directly contacted by Real Madrid representatives but had discussed the matter with individuals outside the club regarding the swirling rumors.
He further emphasized a strong stance by suggesting the possibility of taking on the Real Madrid role is unlikely, especially after highlighting Alonso's capabilities as a coach.
“If Xabi Alonso, who over the last two years in Leverkusen has shown what an outstanding coaching talent he is – I think at his age and with the number of jobs he’s had, you can say that — is then forced to leave Madrid just six months later, it shows a few things.
“On the one hand, it shows that nowadays there’s no time anymore. On the other, the expectations at Real Madrid are obviously enormous. To make a decision like that in the heat of the moment, after losing a cup final to Barcelona yesterday, says a lot. I think we’d already been hearing rumours for a while.”
Following a narrow defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup Final last weekend, Alonso's time at the helm ended, paving the way for upcoming changes at the club.
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