Real Madrid Could Turn to Premier League Legend if Xabi Alonso is Sacked

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Real Madrid Could Turn to Premier League Legend if Xabi Alonso is Sacked

Real Madrid could approach Premier League icon Jurgen Klopp if Xabi Alonso is dismissed mid-season. 

Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti as Madrid boss in June, has reportedly lost the dressing room.

Los Blancos have also failed to convince with their performances, dropping points in their last three games in all competitions (D 2, L 1).

Vinicius Jr. and Federico Valverde want Real Madrid to sack Xabi Alonso

Spanish journalist Arancha Rodriguez has claimed that as many as six Real Madrid players want the club to dismiss Xabi Alonso.

Vinicius Jr., Federico Valverde, Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz, Endrick, and Ferland Mendy are unhappy with the manager due to their playing time, positioning, and squad roles.

Alonso, who celebrated his 44th birthday on Tuesday, also has a few admirers in the squad. Kylian Mbappe, Arda Guler, Dean Huijsen, Thibaut Courtois, and Alvaro Carreras are backing him to continue.

The division inside the dressing room has the board worried. Some club executives believe it has become necessary to sack the former Bayer Leverkusen manager.

Jurgen Klopp one of the candidates to replace Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid

According to Spanish media, Real Madrid have already prepared a shortlist of potential replacements for Xabi Alonso.

Jurgen Klopp – Unattached

Jurgen Klopp had a furious row with Pep Lijnders

Jurgen Klopp, who is also the leader in the next Liverpool manager betting odds market, is one of the names on Real Madrid’s wishlist.

The German coach took a sabbatical from coaching at the end of the 2023/24 season, with Arne Slot coming in as his replacement at Liverpool.

He has since been acting as the Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Real Madrid called twice to appoint him as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor. However, the Liverpool legend turned them down.

If Alonso fails to address the dressing room issues, Real Madrid could approach Klopp for the managerial position once more.

Zinedine Zidane – Unattached

Presentation Kylian Mbappe In Real Madrid - Spain

Zinedine Zidane has already come in twice to steady Real Madrid, and the Frenchman could come in for a third spell this season.

His first stint lasted between January 2016 and June 2018, during which he took Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League trophies and a LaLiga title, among other honours.

Zidane returned to the club in March 2019 and was in charge of the club until June 2021. He took Madrid to another LaLiga title in the 2019/20 season.

The Frenchman has special affection for Los Merengues and has said he would always answer if the club needed him.

Owing to his relationship with players and excellent track record, Florentino Perez is considering appointing Zidane for a third time.

Andoni Iraola – Bournemouth

Before Xabi Alonso was confirmed as the next manager, Real Madrid were heavily linked with Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola.

Iraola had impressed Madrid during his time at Rayo Vallecano. Under his guidance, Vallecano played eye-catching football, punching well above their weight.

In his debut season at Vitality Stadium (2023/24), Iraola took Bournemouth to a comfortable mid-table finish. Last season, Bournemouth secured 56 points to finish in ninth place.

A move to Real Madrid would be a massive step up for Iraola, who is open to a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spanish club are more cautious, owing to Iraola’s inexperience at the highest level.

Amid the uncertainty surrounding Alonso’s future, Real Madrid travel to Greece for their Champions League clash with Olympiacos on Wednesday.