Xabi Alonso has bought himself valuable breathing space at Real Madrid after a much-needed victory in LaLiga, while talk continues to swirl around his future and the growing belief that Jurgen Klopp could soon be tempted back into management, with Tottenham Hotspur now being mentioned as a possible destination.
Real Madrid’s 2–1 win away to Alaves may not have been a classic performance, but it arrived at exactly the right moment for Alonso. After back-to-back defeats against Celta Vigo and Manchester City, pressure around the Bernabeu had begun to rise sharply.
Spanish media reports suggested that the club hierarchy had already mapped out a short run of fixtures that would heavily influence Alonso’s fate, and the Alaves match was the first major test in that sequence. By coming through it with three points, Alonso has earned himself time, something that is never guaranteed in Madrid.
The winning goal, scored late on by Rodrygo, proved decisive not only on the pitch but also behind the scenes.
Reports close to the club claim that the result delayed any immediate decision from president Florentino Perez, who is known for acting quickly when standards slip. For now, the verdict on Alonso has been postponed, even if the situation remains far from comfortable.
Despite the win, there are clear signs that the job is taking a toll on the former midfielder. Observers in Spain have noted that Alonso no longer looks calm on the touchline. The composed, analytical figure fans once admired now appears weighed down by expectation.
At Real Madrid, results matter, but so does dominance, control and style. When those disappear, survival becomes the focus, and that is where Alonso currently finds himself.
Still, there has been a noticeable shift inside the dressing room. Players appear to have rallied around their coach, something that was not always the case earlier in the season.
Gestures during recent matches, including embraces during goal celebrations, have been highlighted as proof that Alonso has reconnected with his squad.
While this does not guarantee long-term security, it does represent a personal victory. Winning back the players is often the first battle a coach must fight when results turn sour.
Even so, the rumours refuse to fade. Jurgen Klopp’s name continues to surface as a possible successor should Madrid decide to make a change.
The former Liverpool manager remains one of the most respected figures in world football, having delivered both domestic and European glory during his time at Anfield.
Although Klopp is currently working in a senior football role with Red Bull, there is a sense that the right project could tempt him back to the dugout.
Those close to Klopp insist that he is happy in his current position and not actively seeking a return to coaching. However, football has a way of changing plans quickly.
Real Madrid’s interest alone would be enough to test anyone’s resolve, especially given the club’s stature and resources. Should Madrid feel Alonso cannot steady the ship, they may move with urgency.
At the same time, an unexpected voice has added a new twist to the story. Former Tottenham chairman Lord Sugar has publicly called on Spurs to part ways with Thomas Frank and make a bold move for Klopp.
Following Tottenham’s heavy defeat to Nottingham Forest, Sugar suggested that the club’s owners have both the wealth and ambition to attract a manager of Klopp’s calibre.
He argued that with proper backing and a clear challenge, Tottenham could offer Klopp something different. London, a fresh environment and significant transfer funds were all mentioned as potential selling points.
Sugar believes that if the approach is right and pressure is framed as opportunity rather than burden, Klopp might at least listen.
This has only intensified debate around Thomas Frank’s future. Tottenham’s recent performances have been inconsistent, and patience among supporters is wearing thin.
While Frank is still relatively new in the role, results have not matched expectations, and frustration is beginning to show both on and off the pitch. In that context, the idea of a proven winner like Klopp is understandably appealing to some.
For now, Klopp remains exactly where he is, Alonso remains in charge at Real Madrid, and Frank continues his work at Tottenham. But football rarely stands still. A few more poor results in Madrid could reopen the door to change, just as another damaging run for Spurs could force their owners to act.
What is clear is that Alonso has won an important moment in his early Madrid career. He has steadied a tense situation, regained the trust of his players and pushed back against the immediate threat of dismissal.
Whether that proves to be the foundation for long-term success or merely a brief pause before another storm remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, Klopp’s name continues to hover over Europe’s biggest clubs, a reminder that elite managers never stay out of the conversation for long.
Whether his next chapter involves Madrid, Tottenham or somewhere else entirely will depend on timing, ambition and the willingness of clubs to make a decisive move.
