Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a return to management amid claims that he could leave his role as Red Bull’s global head of soccer
Connor O'Neill
19:38, 07 Mar 2026
Jurgen Klopp
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Jurgen Klopp(Image: (Ronny HARTMANN / AFP via Getty Images))
Jurgen Klopp is not in negotiations with Real Madrid amid links linking him with Tottenham Hotspur. Klopp stepped down as Liverpool manager in the summer of 2024, after almost nine years in charge, to take a break from management.
The German has since become the global head of soccer for the Red Bull Group. However, there have been claims in recent weeks that he is keen to return to management.
Los Blancos have been mentioned as a possible destination in recent weeks following Xabi Alonso’s departure in January. While Tottenham have also been linked as they continue to search for a long-term successor to Thomas Frank.
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But responding to the recent speculation, Klopp’s agent, Marc Kosicke, told 365Scores, relayed by Abola: "Jurgen Klopp is very happy with his current role at Red Bull, and what is being said about negotiations to coach Real Madrid are just rumours for now."
Kosicke also specifically denied reports that Klopp could go into international management ahead of the World Cup. He said: "There's no need to answer questions about things that are just rumours. Nobody has contacted us at this time."
The German won the Champions League and Premier League at Liverpool, and his close bond with the club prompted him to state he would never coach another English side.
Jurgen Klopp, German football coach and "Global Head of Soccer" at Red Bull, is pictured during an AFP interview at RB Leipzig's headquarters in Leipzig, eastern Germany, on January 17, 2026. Despite leaving Liverpool as one of the most highly regarded coaches in football in 2024, Jurgen Klopp said he never considered himself among the game's best. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP via Getty Images)
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Jurgen Klopp has worked for Red Bull since 2025(Image: RONNY HARTMANN, AFP via Getty Images)
"What I know definitely – I will never, ever manage a different club in England than Liverpool, 100%," Klopp said when announcing he would step down as Liverpool boss. "That's not possible. My love for this club, my respect for the people, is too big.
"I couldn't. I couldn't for a second think about it. There's no chance. This is part of my life, we are part of the family, we feel home here. There's no chance to do that. But all the rest, will I ever work again? Of course, I know myself, I cannot just sit around.
"I will find something else maybe to do. But I will not manage a club or a country at least for a year, that's not possible, I cannot do that and I don't want to. That's all."
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A report published by Salzburger Nachrichten last month claimed that Klopp’s position was no longer secure at Red Bull, and the company would not stand in his way if he wished to return to management.
But responding to those claims, Mintzlaf told The Athletic: "That's complete nonsense and totally unfounded. On the contrary: We are extremely satisfied with Jurgen Klopp’s work.
"He invests a great deal, is in constant communication with our coaches and sporting directors, and is sustainably developing our Red Bull football philosophy.
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"We are convinced that he is the right man for the job. That’s where we are focusing all our energy and attention."
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