Jurgen Klopp has been back in the spotlight recently, and the former Liverpool boss has addressed the rumours about a return to management.
After Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid parted ways, the German was tipped to make a shock return to the dugout with one of Liverpool’s great European rivals.
With another former Red, Alvaro Arbeloa, selected to take over from Alonso, it would have to be the summer if at all.
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Madrid are leaving the decision to Klopp. They are interested, but need confirmation of his desire to return to coaching. Here’s the latest from the man himself.
Jurgen Klopp laughs off Real Madrid speculation
We first heard a response to the links last week, when Klopp addressed the Madrid rumours in a very relaxed way.
He said no contact had been made, and kept his own feelings about the prospect to himself.
Now though, in an interview with Seb Stafford-Bloor for The Athletic, his answer is much more concrete.
Jurgen Klopp Manager of Liverpool during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 match between Liverpool FC and Toulouse FC at Anfield
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After a brief chucle, he says: “I know I can coach a football team, but that doesn’t mean I have to do it until my last day. I wanted to do something different. Red Bull gave me an opportunity to find a role which we have been defining together, step by step.
“I’m in a place as a person where I’m completely at peace with where I am. I don’t want to be somewhere else.”
The fit with Klopp and Madrid makes very little sense when you look at the culture at the club. It’s the antithesis of what the German is known for.
He will be acutely aware of that fact, and these words are a fairly clear statement of no interest. Liverpool fans won’t have to face the possibility of coming up against the iconic Klopp in the later stages of European competition.
Klopp will make a return to management some day
At 58, Klopp isn’t in a massive rush to get back into coaching.
He gave everything during the years he spent at Liverpool, and no one had issue with his decision to step away.
It surely won’t be forever, though. This is one of the great managers of the modern era, and someone who is obsessed with winning.
Do you think Jurgen Klopp will re-join Liverpool?
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While he has shut down these rumours, it could be that he is simply waiting to fully recharge or for a better situation. He has said that he wouldn’t manage a Premier League team that isn’t Liverpool.
You never know. We could even see him back at the helm at Anfield down the line.
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