Jurgen Klopp admits he is “not quite finished” as a coach but has dismissed ongoing speculation over a departure from Red Bull to take over at Real Madrid.
Klopp will return to the dugout at Anfield on Saturday as assistant to Sir Kenny Dalglish for Liverpool Legends’ charity match against Dortmund.
But the 58-year-old, who is still many supporters’ ideal choice to replace Arne Slot if he is sacked, has no immediate plans to return to management.
However, in an interview while on duty with Magenta TV, Klopp admitted he is “not quite finished” in coaching.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 17, 2024: Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp during the FA Premier League match between Brentford FC and Liverpool FC at the Brentford Community Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“I’ve said that a thousand times already, but of course I’m not thinking about it at all right now,” he told outlets including BILD.
“There’s no reason to, thankfully.
“And as for the future, I’m not quite finished as a coach yet.
“So who knows what might come up in the next few years, but there are absolutely no plans in that regard.”
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While Klopp will forever be linked with a return to Liverpool – having ruled out managing any other club in England – he is more frequently touted as the next head coach at Real Madrid.
That was the case around Xabi Alonso’s departure, while last month Austrian newspaper the Salzburger Nachrichten claimed he could depart his role of global head of soccer at Red Bull over a dissatisfaction in his work.
“If Real Madrid had called, we would have heard about it by now. But that’s all nonsense,” he insisted.
“They didn’t even call, not once. They didn’t even call my agent.”
On suggestions he would leave Red Bull, he continued: “The same idiots wrote that.
A man in a suit holding a microphone
“The less someone knows about football, the more they think I should be at the various locations [where Red Bull clubs are based] even more often than I am.
“Your colleague from the Salzburger Nachrichten who wrote that has absolutely no clue. I’m not thinking of throwing in the towel.”
Klopp’s contract at Red Bull runs to 2029, and while he continues to distance himself from conversations around the Germany job his most likely move in the future would seemingly come as national team manager.
For now, he can look forward to a reunion at Anfield as he helps lead a side including the likes of Steven Gerrard and Thiago against Dortmund.
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