Manager Jurgen Klopp has publicly stated his position on the possibility of a return to management, citing links to his move to Real Madrid following the sacking of Xabi Alonso.
Manager Jurgen Klopp has spoken about the possibility of a return to management (Image: Ronny HARTMANN / AFP via Getty Images)
Manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he cannot rule out the possibility of him returning to management despite being linked with Real Madrid. Klopp left the management team when he parted ways with Liverpool in 2024 and remains involved with his biggest job yet.
The German currently works as Red Bull’s global head of football, overseeing a multi-club structure with RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls and Paris FC. Away from the spotlight, Klopp has repeatedly stated how happy he is to be working with Red Bull behind the scenes.
However, following the sacking of Xabi Alonso last week, he has emerged as a potential candidate for Real Madrid. The Spanish giants replaced Alonso with former teammate and close friend Alvaro Arbeloa, but that hasn’t stopped speculation.
The 58-year-old admitted he had lost the energy and desire for a high-pressure role in management when he left Liverpool in May 2024, but has not ruled out a return to the dugout in the future.
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“As a human being, I’m in a place where I feel completely safe where I am. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Klopp told AFP. “If Real Madrid were interested, I wouldn’t sit up and get excited. If they were interested, that’s the media.
“Do I want to coach again? I can say no at this point, but I can’t say absolutely, never, ever. I don’t think I’ll change my mind, but I don’t know.”
According to Sky Sports, Klopp is being considered by Real Madrid and could encourage his return from semi-retirement. The former Liverpool manager gave a general assessment of the situation in the Spanish capital.
“When I heard the news about Xabi Alonso, I had a little mixed feelings. Yes, I was surprised. And no, I wasn’t surprised,” Klopp said. “I was like, ‘What?'” And then, “Yes, of course.” I have no idea why this happens, but it’s always a specific case, not a general problem. Because what Real Madrid is thinking now is that it will not be so easy to bring in the next player.
Xabi Alonso parted ways with Real Madrid last week (Image: Getty Images)
“If you’re going to sack a manager, I think you better think about who you want to replace you. And it has to be realistic. If they think they can get Pep Guardiola, I would say they don’t have a big chance.”
Speaking to The Athletic in September, Klopp hinted that he could use his time at Red Bull as a springboard for a return to management, and a move to become Germany’s head coach has also been frequently linked in the media. “I know I can coach a football team, but that doesn’t mean I have to coach until my last day,” he said.
“I wanted to do something different. Red Bull gave me the opportunity to find step by step the role that we have defined together. As a human being, I am in a place where I feel completely at ease where I am. I would not want to be anywhere else.”
“I got to meet a lot of people I didn’t know before. I went to a lot of business meetings and learned words I didn’t know before. It was a lot of fun. I gained five years of experience in one year.”
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