Fabrizio Romano has once again addressed the growing speculation linking Jurgen Klopp with the Real Madrid job.
Klopp’s name has dominated football headlines this week following Xabi Alonso’s dismissal from Real Madrid, with reports suggesting the former Liverpool boss could be tempted back into management at the Bernabéu — despite his repeated insistence that he’s happy in his current role at Red Bull.
Reports from Germany fuel the rumour
The rumours intensified after German reports claimed Klopp is “seriously considering a return as head coach” if Real Madrid make a concrete move for the summer. The same reports added that Real Madrid have long fascinated the 58-year-old, and that only two projects could convince him to return to the touchline: Real Madrid and the Germany national team.
Klopp’s response to the speculation
Klopp moved quickly to distance himself from the talk when asked about the vacancy during a TV appearance shortly after Alonso’s exit was confirmed. He joked that his phone did ring — but not from Madrid — before insisting the situation had nothing to do with him and had not triggered any desire to jump back into coaching.
He also expressed sympathy for Alonso, calling him an outstanding coaching talent and suggesting that his dismissal after just six months is another sign that things are not quite right at the club at the moment. Klopp added that decisions like this show that coaches are no longer given time.
Fabrizio Romano’s key update
Now, Fabrizio Romano has cooled the links somewhat and stressed that the only way Klopp ends up at Real Madrid is if he pushes for the move himself.
Romano explained that, from what he’s hearing, Klopp is appreciated internally at Real Madrid by some figures at the club. However, those same people believe the process would need to begin with Klopp.
The key factor: it must start with Klopp
According to Romano, Real Madrid are not expected to approach Klopp directly and ask him to return to management. Instead, the club would only consider him as an option in the summer if certain conditions fall into place — including the possibility that Álvaro Arbeloa does not continue as head coach, which is not guaranteed.
Romano’s main point is clear: Real Madrid will only seriously consider Klopp if Klopp decides, on his own, that he wants to return to coaching.
What happens next
For now, the situation remains speculative. The next steps depend far more on Klopp’s personal choice than on any active push from Real Madrid. If Klopp signals he wants back in, and if Real Madrid decide they need a new head coach in the summer, then the conversation could become real.
