Iconic Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a move to Real Madrid after Xabi Alonso’s dismissal while Jose Mourinho has also been connected with a return
Jose Mourinho has spoken out on a possible return to Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
Former Manchester United and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has sensationally dismissed a return with Real Madrid as Jurgen Klopp continues to be linked with the role. Xabi Alonso was relieved of his duties after 34 games in charge this week in light of their Supercopa defeat to Barcelona.
Reports suggest that Klopp is open to returning to management to take charge of the Spanish giants and while former Liverpool player Alvaro Arbeloa is in temporary charge, Mourinho has ruled himself out of a comeback to the Spanish capital. The 62-year-old is back managing in Portugal and in charge of Benfica, who sit third in the table.
He said: “Don’t count on me for soap operas.
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“There are good soap operas, but they’re very long. You miss one or two episodes and then you lose track. Don’t count on me, because I don’t watch soap operas.”
The former Liverpool boss has been away from the dugout since stepping down as Reds boss in 2024. He recently celebrated a year in his new position at Red Bull as their Head of Global Soccer where he oversees their vision, scouting, coach and player development.
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Alonso was considered as an option to replace Klopp before Arne Slot was named as his successor but opted to stay at Leverkusen.
He was installed as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement in the summer but saw his tenure at the Bernabeu come to an abrupt end after six months.
In a statement, Alonso said: “This professional stage is over, and it didn’t go as we would have liked.
“Coaching Real Madrid has been an honor and a responsibility.
“I thank the club, the players and above all the fans and Madrid fans for their trust and support.
“I leave with respect, gratitude, and pride that I did my best.”
Klopp has been repeatedly linked with a return to management since moving into a hierarchical role at Red Bull following his Reds bow.
He was tentatively mooted as Slot’s successor on Merseyside in a sensational return after pressure mounted on the Dutchman during their early season slump.
In an interview with Diary of a CEO in October, Klopp sparked rumours of a comeback when he said: “I said I will never coach a different team in England so that means, if (I did return), then it’s Liverpool. So, yeah, theoretically it is possible.”
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