Key Takeaways:
- Рeports from Spain confirmed Jurgen Klopp will not be appointed by Real Madrid this summer
- Despite longstanding interest, Real Madrid’s management have formally excluded Klopp as a candidate for the manager’s role
- Alvaro Arbeloa will meet President Florentino Perez in the coming days, with club players reportedly backing Arbeloa to continue
Real Madrid End Pursuit of Jurgen Klopp
Real Madrid have definitively ended their pursuit of Jurgen Klopp for the managerial position this summer, according to reports emerging from Spain last night. Despite considerable interest over recent months, and active support from advisor Anas Laghrari over several years, the German coach will not take over at the Santiago Bernabeu ahead of next season.
Following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso in January, Klopp’s name immediately surfaced as the leading candidate to succeed him. However, having retired from management eighteen months ago, Klopp repeatedly denied plans to return to the touchline in Madrid, while still leaving open a small possibility of being enticed by an ideal offer from Germany should the conditions suit him.
🚨 EXCLUSIVA de @jpedrerol 🚨
👀 "ARBELOA NO ESTÁ FUERA, FLORENTINO tiene que HABLAR CON ÉL".
❌ "KLOPP NO ES UNA POSIBILIDAD". pic.twitter.com/kJAHgzBeFe
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) April 17, 2026
Spanish Reports Clarify Managerial Options
For the first time, Spanish sources have categorically ruled out Klopp’s appointment. Though the German’s credentials are widely respected within the club, renowned programme El Chiringuito clarified he is now no longer among the candidates to take over this summer and will not be considered for the role.
Arbeloa Faces Decisive Talks with Club President
Meanwhile, the future remains uncertain for Alvaro Arbeloa. Press reports on Thursday night indicated that, despite expectations a replacement could be needed, Arbeloa retains hope of remaining as manager next season. El Chiringuito reported that no conclusive decision has yet been taken, with a key meeting scheduled between Arbeloa and club President Florentino Perez in the coming days.
During this meeting, Arbeloa and Perez will jointly analyse recent errors attributed to both himself and his predecessor Xabi Alonso, assess player performances, and discuss the atmosphere prevailing in the dressing room. The outcome of these discussions will shape Arbeloa’s future at the club. Notably, current squad members are said to be supportive of Arbeloa’s continued leadership.
| Managerial Candidate | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jurgen Klopp | Not under consideration | Ruled out as summer appointment despite prior interest |
| Alvaro Arbeloa | Meeting pending | Decision to be made following discussion with Florentino Perez; players back continuity |
| Xabi Alonso | Sacked in January | Past mistakes to be evaluated in president-manager meeting |
