Klopp Laughs Off Real Madrid Hint as Bernabeu Links Grow
Jurgen Klopp delivered a typically lighthearted response after being nudged toward the Real Madrid job in a cheeky interview moment, as speculation continues to swirl around the Bernabeu following Xabi Alonso’s abrupt exit.
The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager was stopped for a brief chat in Berlin this week, where a casual remark about Real Madrid’s love for basketball drew Klopp’s trademark laugh, instantly reigniting talk of a potential move to Spain.
Alonso’s departure has left Real searching for stability after a turbulent start to the season. The Spaniard was relieved of his duties on Monday following a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, a result that proved decisive despite the club officially framing the split as mutual consent.
Real moved quickly to appoint Alvaro Arbeloa as an interim solution, but the former defender endured a difficult first outing as his side were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by second tier Albacete. The loss has only intensified scrutiny around the club’s long-term plans in the dugout.
Alonso had arrived in Madrid in June 2025 with high expectations after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga and German Cup double the previous season. His connection to the club as a former midfielder added emotional weight to the appointment, but results failed to match ambition.
Against that backdrop, Klopp’s name has emerged as one of the most compelling options available. Out of work since stepping down at Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, the German remains one of the most respected figures in modern football management.
The moment that caught attention came during an NBA game between Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies in Berlin. Speaking to ESPN Netherlands, Klopp was told that Real Madrid also have a deep passion for basketball, a clear nod to the club’s celebrated basketball section.
Klopp responded with laughter before calmly noting that perhaps some people at Real had been watching the game. The exchange was brief, but it carried enough subtext to fuel further discussion about his future.
There was no direct commitment and no attempt to dampen speculation either. Instead, the reaction fit the familiar Klopp profile, relaxed, disarming, and fully aware of the weight behind the suggestion.
On the pitch, Real must quickly refocus. Arbeloa has urged supporters to stand by the squad ahead of Saturday’s league clash with Levante, with the club currently sitting four points behind Barcelona. A Champions League meeting with Monaco follows, where Madrid are well placed to secure automatic qualification for the knockout rounds.
For now, Klopp remains an outside figure, smiling from afar as Real search for answers. Whether the laughter turns into serious talks remains to be seen, but the connection is firmly back in the spotlight.