Jude Bellingham has defended Xabi Alonso after reports claimed he didn’t take to the manager’s methods, while Jurgen Klopp has also distanced himself from the Real Madrid job.
Jude Bellingham has slammed coverage of Xabi Alonso’s exit at Real Madrid. (Image: (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images))
Jude Bellingham has hit out at media coverage following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, as Real Madrid start their search for yet another new manager. The 44-year-old arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, prior to the FIFA Club World Cup, having made his mark as Bayer Leverkusen boss.
Alonso had broken Bayern Munich’s nine-year stranglehold on the Bundesliga with a title triumph, proving his credentials as one of the game’s most promising coaches. His switch to former club Real Madrid represented a high-profile leap, though he lasted only a matter of months before being dismissed.
Media speculation suggested Bellingham was among a group of players who failed to respond to the manager’s approach, claims he rejected via the ‘JB5’ app.
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He said: “Until now I’ve let far too many of these slide, always hoping the truth will come to light in its own time. But honestly… What a load of s***.
“Truly feel sorry for the people that hang on to the every word of these clowns and their ‘sources’.
“Don’t believe everything you read, every now and then these lot need to be held accountable for spreading this kind of damaging misinformation for clicks and added controversy.”
That statement reveals what Bellingham genuinely felt about the outgoing coach, while also supporting his own version of events that he may not be among those who struggled with Alonso’s approach.
He also shared a goodbye message on social media for the former manager, writing: “Thank you, Mister. It was a pleasure, all the very best for the future!”
The Spaniard’s time at Real Madrid concluded after just 34 matches in all competitions – during which he secured 24 victories, four draws and six losses.
Real Madrid are now searching for another new manager who can lead them forwards. Their current boss is Alvaro Arbeloa, who previously represented Los Blancos, as well as Liverpool and West Ham, with reports suggesting that an agreement until the end of the season has been finalised.
That provides their hierarchy with an opportunity to explore the transfer market over the summer months, when managerial appointments are anticipated to gather pace.
Among the currently available options is Jurgen Klopp. The Liverpool icon, 58, has been taking a sabbatical since departing the Reds, and is now serving as Head of Global Soccer for the Red Bull group of clubs.
Klopp appears to be on Real Madrid’s shortlist, but he has immediately ruled himself out of the running.
Speaking as a pundit for ServusTV OnKlopp was questioned about the position and responded: “It (his phone) actually has (been ringing) – though not from Madrid.
“But yes, there were definitely a few people who felt they had to contact me directly about it! Firstly, I think it’s another sign that something isn’t quite right there at the moment. If Xabi Alonso, who over the last two years in Leverkusen has shown what an outstanding coaching talent he is – and 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 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 – says a lot.”
