Klopp Reacts to Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid Exit: “Surprised, but Not Surprised”

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has described Xabi Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid as both surprising and predictable, citing the European club’s history of ruthless coaching decisions.

Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder, lasted less than eight months as head coach at the Bernabeu before leaving the club by “mutual agreement” a day after a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup.

“When I heard the news about Xabi Alonso, it was a bit of a mix. Yes, I was surprised. And no, I wasn’t surprised,” Klopp told AFP in Leipzig.
“I was like ‘what?’ And ‘yeah, of course’.”

Klopp referenced Madrid’s history of abrupt managerial changes, recalling the sacking of German coach Jupp Heynckes in 1998, just eight days after winning the Champions League, for failing to claim La Liga.

“It’s always like that from Madrid when they’re not first in the table,” he said.

The 58-year-old, now serving as Red Bull’s global head of football, suggested Real may struggle to find a suitable replacement for Alonso, noting the importance of having a clear succession plan.

“I have no clue why it happened, but it’s always a specific case and not a general problem… bringing in just the next one is not that easy. I would recommend if you sack a manager, you better have an idea who you want to succeed him. And it should be realistic. If they think they can get Pep Guardiola, I would say there’s not a big chance.”

Klopp also dismissed rumours linking him to Real Madrid, calling them media speculation:

“I’m in a place, as a person, where I’m completely at peace with where I am. I don’t want to be somewhere else. I don’t get up and excited if Real Madrid are showing interest — if they would be — but it’s the media.”

Although Klopp has won numerous trophies, including league titles in Germany and England and the Champions League with Liverpool, he suggested his managerial days are likely over for now.

“Do I want to coach again? At the moment I would say no, but I cannot say never, never, never. I don’t expect to change my mind, but I don’t know.”

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