Latest Liverpool news and rumours as Jurgen Klopp, Xabi Alonso and Arne Slot are caught in managerial speculation
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has already made it perfectly clear that at present, he does not envisage a return to coaching. The 58-year-old finds himself linked with the top job at Real Madrid, which is currently clung onto by another ex-Red, Xabi Alonso.
Reports from Spain would suggest Alonso’s tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu is weakening just seven months after taking control. According to Marka 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo last weekend – which left Los Blancos four points adrift of rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga – resulted in crisis talks behind the scenes.
The former Liverpool midfielder is therefore said to have Wednesday night’s Champions League fixture against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to save himself from the sack.
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If a mid-season change in management in the Spanish capital is to take place, Klopp’s name features prominently in early discussions.
There may be the allure of once again working with Trent Alexander-Arnold, however Real Madrid officials could be left disappointed given his latest thoughts on a return to coaching over 18 months since deciding it was time to leave Liverpool.
“I’m 58, that means I could make the decision in a few years, I don’t know,” the German told The Diary of a CEO podcast in October, leaving the door ajar to the possibility of managing again.
“Do I have to make the decision today? Then I will not coach again,” Klopp ultimately concluded. “But thank God, I don’t have to do that. I can just see what the future brings.”
At the start of 2025, Klopp assumed the title of Head of Global Football for the Red Bull group, acting in a different capacity to his previous footballing roles. The former Reds boss has insisted he is happy in this current role.
Meanwhile Alonso, facing pressure to turn things around in Madrid, was asked ahead of the showdown with Man City whether Premier League management is of interest to him. He was specifically asked in the context of Liverpool, as current Reds head coach Arne Slot has faced widespread scrutiny over his side’s form since September.
“Of course there is a bond with my former club, but for now this (Real Madrid) is my place,” Alonso responded. “In future, you never know what might happen.”
In turn, Slot’s latest act was to dispel the naysayers with 1-0 victory over Inter Milan at San Siro. The result has boosted Liverpool’s chances of automatic Champions League knockout qualification with two rounds of fixtures to play.
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