A report linking Jurgen Klopp to Atletico Madrid has been firmly played down by the ex-Liverpool manager’s agent, Marc Kosicke.
Despite insisting he is happy out of management, Klopp has been constantly linked to coaching roles since leaving Liverpool in 2024, and they have subsequently all been shot down.
The latest club to be mentioned in connection to the German is Atletico, with reporter Pipi Estrada claiming on El Chiringuito that their majority shareholder was negotiating his arrival.
“It’s a transfer that’s under negotiation. The signature is still pending,” was what was claimed, with Klopp seen as the “perfect fit” for a post-Diego Simeone era.
This would also require Klopp to leave his role as the head of global soccer at Red Bull, who Salzburger Nachrichten, via Bild, claimed would not stand in the German’s way if he was open to a return to management.
Klopp respects Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone’s tactics even if he does not like them (Nick Potts/PA)
As expected, however, Klopp’s agent, Kosicke, described the latest management links as “stupid rumors” to winwin, emphatically putting a line through the story.
There is an argument that Klopp would fit at Atletico, with a passionate fan base and a club that competes with Real Madrid but largely as the ‘underdog’.
But it is clearly not on the horizon, though you expect that will not stop further rumours from emerging over Klopp’s future, even if his close circle shuts them down each and every time.
In fact, Klopp’s only confirmed return to the touchline is for Liverpool Legends’ charity match against Borussia Dortmund later this month, when he will assist Sir Kenny Dalglish.
Red Bull chief addresses “entirely made up” Jurgen Klopp rumours
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Friday, May 23, 2025: Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp during the LFC Foundation Gala Ball at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Liverpool FC)
Last month, Red Bull’s managing director, Oliver Mintzlaff, dismissed the suggestion Klopp’s position was not entirely safe, labelling the rumours as “complete nonsense.”
Mintzlaff told Sky Germany: “That is complete nonsense and entirely made up.
“On the contrary, we are extremely satisfied with the work Jurgen Klopp is doing.
“He invests a great deal of time and effort, is in constant communication with our coaches and sporting directors, and continues to develop our Red Bull football philosophy in a sustainable way.
“We are convinced that he is the right man for this job. That is where we are putting all our focus and energy.”
Red Bull are invested in Klopp, who works closely with technical director Mario Gomez, and he remains under contract to 2029.
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