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By TARA ANSON-WALSH, FOOTBALL REPORTER Published: 06: 24 AEDT, 14 January 2026 | Updated: 06: 33 AEDT, 14 January 2026 13 View comments Jurgen Klopp says he has not received a phone call from Real Madrid regarding their vacant manager's post following the exit of Xabi Alonso, insisting that the club's decision to part ways with the Spaniard had 'nothing to do with me'. Klopp, 58, has not managed a football team since leaving Liverpool in the summer of 2024, with the German saying that he wanted some time away from the dugout as he was 'running out of energy'. He is currently Red Bull's global head of football. When asked if his phone had started ringing after Alonso's departure, Klopp told Austrian channel Servus TV: 'I think the rumors have been circulating for some time now. And I know exactly what your question is getting at, but it has nothing to do with me. 'My phone did actually ring, but not from Madrid. There were, however, a few people who felt they needed to bring it up with me. 'In general, it's a sign that not everything there is 100 per cent right when Xabi Alonso, who showed over two years in Leverkusen what an outstanding coaching talent he is, has to leave Real Madrid just half a year later. 'When you come in after a legend and an incredibly succesful coach like Carlo Ancelotti, who had a very specific way of managing his teams, and then try to introduce new rules, that has now proven to be too difficult. I really feel sorry for him, because I consider him a great coach. ' Jurgen Klopp said he had 'nothing to do with' the vacant Real Madrid manager's post The Spanish coach was sacked by Real on Monday after joining just seven months ago Klopp was quick to emphasise that he was happy in his current circumstances, adding: 'It has nothing to do with me and didn't trigger anything in me either. 'The coaching market is being reshuffled, and it's not a bad thing to experience all of this from an observer's perspective and not think about what it mean mean for yourself, because you're in the right place where you are. ' These latest quotes seem to counteract reports circulating that the would 'seriously consider' joining the club if they came calling. Alonso was hired by Real last summer as Ancelotti's replacement, after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to the German league and cup double against the odds in 2024. He was previously linked to the Liverpool job when Klopp announced he would leave Anfield in the same year, but opted to stay at Leverkusen for another season before the move back to homeland. Alonso's departure came less than 24 hours after losing the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona. The 44-year-old had come under increasing pressure in recent weeks amid rumours of a rift with his players and the defeat in El Clasico has proven to be the final straw for the board at the Bernabeu. Madrid announced that Alonso, who made 236 appearances for Los Blancos as a player, has left the club this evening 'by mutual agreement'. Klopp, 58, has not managed a football team since leaving Liverpoolin the summer of 2024 Alvaro Arbeloa, who played with Alonso during their time together at Liverpool, has been appointed as his successor. The 42-year-old has been working with Madrid's academy since 2020 and was promoted to coach Castilla, the club's B-team, last summer. A statement read: 'Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first-team coach. 'Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home. 'Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication during this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives. ' The Spaniard leaves with Madrid four points adrift of bitter rivals Barcelona, who triumphed in the Super Cup on Sunday night after a brace from Raphinha and a classy finish from Robert Lewandowski.
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