Jürgen Klopp’s condition to coach Real Madrid: several obstacles remain
Although the German manager had previously ruled out a move to the Spanish club, there is one factor that could change his mind.
The start of Álvaro Arbeloa’s tenure as the head of the Real Madrid bench has been a far cry from the stabilizing force the board had hoped for. While the team desperately tries to pull itself together following a disastrous week, the club’s upper management has already shifted its focus toward the summer transfer market. Mid-term planning is back on the table, and once again, the name of Jürgen Klopp stands out as the ultimate aspiration for the sporting direction.
The crisis within the "White House" has only worsened as the days pass. Following the unexpected departure of Xabi Alonso after the Spanish Super Cup loss to FC Barcelona, Arbeloa’s arrival failed to provide the "calming effect" everyone expected. On the contrary, Real Madrid’s shocking elimination from the Copa del Rey in the Round of 16 against Albacete—a second-division side—has left the fans in a state of disbelief, largely due to Arbeloa's controversial squad selection.
The Albacete Debacle: A Tactical Failure
In his first official test on the bench, the former Madrid fullback made the bold and widely criticized decision to leave key stars like Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Jude Bellingham out of the squad entirely.
Even more concerning than the absences was the team's complete lack of reaction after Albacete’s goals. Real Madrid failed to impose their conditions or demonstrate the competitive character that defines the badge. None of the players on the pitch were able to take charge, providing clear evidence that the club's difficulties go far beyond who is sitting in the manager’s chair. Inside Valdebebas, there is a growing realization that the squad requires a serious overhaul this summer to effectively launch a truly competitive new project.
Klopp: The Mirage at the Bernabéu
Looking ahead to the 2026/27 season, it seems almost impossible for Arbeloa to continue leading the team. In the offices of the Santiago Bernabéu, the dream persists: convincing Jürgen Klopp to take the reins. Although the German is currently thriving in his role as the Global Head of Soccer for the Red Bull group, his name remains highlighted in red on Florentino Pérez's agenda.
According to renowned journalist Florian Plettenberg, Real Madrid is one of only two alternatives that could make Klopp question his immediate future. The other option that could pull him away from his corporate role is the German National Team. This has long been a major goal for Klopp, who has already won every possible trophy at the club level and may feel the call of "unfinished business" with his country.
The Dilemma of the "Mannschaft"
The sine qua non condition for Klopp to arrive at Chamartín is that he does not receive a call from the German FA (DFB) first. The German national team is currently in a period of deep reconstruction after failing to meet expectations in recent major tournaments, including a semi-final exit in Euro 2024.
Klopp built his legendary prestige by dethroning Bayern Munich with two Bundesliga titles at Borussia Dortmund and reaching a Champions League final with the Black and Yellows. Later, at Liverpool, he reached the pinnacle of the sport by winning both the Premier League and the Champions League, solidifying his status as one of the most influential managers of the modern era. His name remains the great dream of the Madridismo to lead a new cycle of glory.
As Arbeloa fights to maintain his dignity in the short term, the shadow of the German "Normal One" looms larger than ever over the Santiago Bernabéu.
