FIFA World Cup hotel bookings below expectations as U.S. tourism concerns rise
2026 FIFA World Cup hotel bookings fall short amid U.S. tourism worries
Jurgen Klopp has been warned against pursuing the Real Madrid coaching position amid speculation linking him to the role. Real Madrid is looking for a new head coach after a disappointing season and has already made one managerial change this year.
Mentioned in this story
Jurgen Klopp has been heavily linked with the Real Madrid job -Credit:Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
(Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp has been advised to steer clear of a potential move to Real Madrid as the Spanish giants search for their next head coach. Madrid have already made one managerial change this season, with Xabi Alonso having been replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa.
Another shake-up is anticipated this summer following what has proven to be a deeply underwhelming season. Former Liverpool manager Klopp has consistently been touted as a candidate for the Bernabeu hot seat since his departure from Anfield.
Former Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn has weighed in on the matter, urging the German to avoid the role. Speaking to Marca, he said: "I don't know if I'd do that if I were Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp currently works as Red Bull's head of global soccer -Credit:PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images
Jurgen Klopp is being linked to the Real Madrid job due to his previous success as a manager and ongoing speculation about his future after leaving Liverpool.
Real Madrid replaced Xabi Alonso with Alvaro Arbeloa earlier this season and is expected to make further managerial changes this summer.
An ex-Bundesliga CEO has advised Jurgen Klopp to avoid considering the Real Madrid coaching position amid the club's current instability.
2026 FIFA World Cup hotel bookings fall short amid U.S. tourism worries
Doku's two goals earn Manchester City a dramatic point against Everton.
Man City’s title race takes a hit after a 12-minute collapse, with Arsenal now in the lead.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
"Do Real Madrid and Jurgen Klopp fit together? If we analyze it more deeply, Jurgen is one of those who likes to develop, to build."
He added: "What's more, he works with a defined system. Real Madrid is something completely different. Real Madrid is a collection of individuals, a group of superstars who categorically refuse to have any concept imposed on them.
"We saw it with Xabi Alonso. It's about whether, as a manager, you have the respect, can connect with the players, can manage the big stars and can convince them of the system you intend to implement."
Klopp has spoken publicly about the Real Madrid position this season, suggesting the role is potentially more demanding than many appreciate, as per The Mirror. Speaking following Alonso's firing, he said: "It actually has (been ringing) - though not from Madrid. But yes, there were definitely a few people who felt they had to contact me directly about it!
"First of all, I think it's another sign that something isn't quite right there at the moment. If Xabi Alonso, who over the last two years in Leverkusen has shown what an outstanding coaching talent he is – and I think at his age and with the number of jobs he's had, you can say that - is then forced to leave Madrid just six months later, it shows a few things.
"On the one hand, it shows that nowadays there's no time anymore. On the other, the expectations at Real Madrid are obviously enormous. To make a decision like that in the heat of the moment, after losing a cup final to Barcelona yesterday, says a lot."
Beyond Klopp's comments, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez appears to have a clear frontrunner in mind. Reports indicate that Jose Mourinho is being pursued for a return to the Spanish capital, despite currently being under contract with Benfica.