Jurgen Klopp has been heavily linked with a return to management with Liverpool and Real Madrid but the German has dismissed the speculation surrounding his future
Stephen Killen Senior Sports Content Creator and Bruna Reis Senior Sports Journalist
11:29, 24 Mar 2026
Jurgen Klopp
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Jurgen Klopp has left the door open to a return to coaching(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
Ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has quashed rumours of a return to the dugout following whispers that the German was being eyed for the Real Madrid managerial role. The legendary Reds manager has been persistently linked with a dramatic comeback to Anfield amid uncertainty over Arne Slot's position.
However, Klopp hasn't entirely ruled out a return to management, despite brushing off connections with Los Blancos. Slot, Klopp's successor, has faced criticism in the wake of Liverpool's unsuccessful Premier League title defence.
The Dutchman is under pressure to revive Liverpool's fortunes following their loss to Brighton, marking their 10th defeat of the season and leaving them five points adrift of the top four. They still have a chance to secure a spot in next season's premier European competition by clinching their seventh title rather than finishing in the top five, but they must first overcome reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals.
Since departing Liverpool in 2024, the 58-year-old has stayed in football, taking up the role of Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull.
In his current position, Klopp is responsible for overseeing operational aspects and assisting their clubs worldwide, yet despite his move to an executive role, he remains a constant subject of speculation.
He finally addressed the ongoing rumours on Monday during the announcement of Magenta TV's World Cup team, stating: "If Real Madrid had phoned, we would have heard about it by now.
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"But that's all nonsense. They haven't called even once, not once. My agent is there, you can ask him. They haven't called him either.
"Right now I'm not thinking about that, luckily there's no reason to. For my age I'm quite advanced in life, but as a coach I'm not completely finished.
"I haven't reached retirement age. Who knows what will happen in the coming years? But there's nothing planned."
Klopp's comments certainly leave the door open for a potential return. Slot has had to endure painful comparisons to his predecessor in his first season, and after winning the Premier League title, it seemed like the 'Jurgen Klopp hangover' was finally over.
Jurgen Klopp
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Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool in 2024(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
However, as difficulties arose, the pressure has multiplied. Klopp's remarks won't affect Slot directly, but they could add fuel to the speculation surrounding his current position, which has seen both Steven Gerrard and the German repeatedly touted as potential saviours to guide Liverpool to Champions League qualification.
The concern around Liverpool and Slot at the moment is the lack of proof that they can pull themselves out of this rut. Every glimmer of hope is quickly overshadowed by a harsh dose of reality, with some of the current Reds squad seemingly lacking the fight needed.
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Alongside Real Madrid, Klopp has been linked as a potential successor to Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid. The Argentine still has 18 months left on his deal, though reports suggested he was in detailed discussions with the Spanish club.
This came after speculation that he might depart his Red Bull position after barely a year in charge. German publication Salzburger Nachrichten reported that the energy drink conglomerate wouldn't block his exit if he wished to leave, with Oliver Glasner, who will depart Crystal Palace at the season's end, mentioned as a potential replacement.
An interview with the former Liverpool boss emerged the day after the Reds' loss to Manchester United in October, where he hinted at a possible return to Merseyside down the line.
Klopp said: "I said I will never coach a team in England again, that means if it's Liverpool, theoretically it's possible.
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"I don't miss standing in the rain, two-and-a-half [to] three hours, I don't miss going to press conferences three times a week, having 12 interviews a week, I don't miss that, I don't.
"I don't miss being in the dressing room, I coached something like 1,080 games so I was in a dressing room often. I don't want to die in a dressing room because it's nice, it smells.
"There might be something, I'm 58, I could make the decision in a few years... I don't know.
"Do I have to make the decision today that I will not coach again but thank god I don't have to, I can just see what the future brings.
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"Now I'm in a project I really love, I like doing what I'm doing right now. In my mind, only if I'm focused 100 percent, I can do it really good."