Iconic ex-Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a sensational return to management
ISMANING, GERMANY - MARCH 23: Jürgen Klopp attends the presentation of the MagentaTV team for the FUFA World Cup 2026 at DMC Production Germany GmbH on March 23, 2026 in Ismaning, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp has been tipped to return to management(Image: Alexander Hassenstein, Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be on Real Madrid's radar. Yet the Spanish heavyweights may face a significant challenge in convincing the German to take the reins at the Bernabeu, with Klopp believed to be interested in the Germany national team position.
Since departing Anfield following nine triumphant years, Klopp has assumed a position as head of global football with the Red Bull Group. He also serves as an advisor to the German Football League.
Klopp's main responsibility involves supervising Red Bull's multi-club network, which includes RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls, and Paris FC. Having moved away from the limelight, he has consistently expressed his satisfaction working in a behind-the-scenes capacity with Red Bull.
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page
Klopp has also distanced himself from returning to club management, despite links to numerous prominent vacancies. According to Marca, though, Real are seeking change after Alvaro Arbeloa, who took over temporarily following Xabi Alonso's dismissal in January after barely seven months at the helm, has failed to impress.
While Arbeloa initially brought stability, Madrid's Champions League quarter-final elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich, combined with their considerable distance behind league leaders Barcelona, has placed the former defender's future in serious doubt.
The publication suggests there is an increasing belief amongst the Madrid hierarchy that Klopp could be the figure to restore an 'emotional intensity' alongside a distinctive tactical prowess that few managers currently available can offer, with his name repeatedly mentioned behind closed doors.
Jurgen Klopp celebrates with the Premier League trophy
Klopp won the Premier League with Liverpool in 2020(Image: LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
It further suggests that the German's proven ability to unite a dressing room and handle high-profile personalities is seen as crucial to addressing Madrid's present difficulties. Other candidates being linked with Madrid include Zinedine Zidane, who has previously overseen the club on two separate occasions, as well as United States national team manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Madrid may be prudent to brace themselves for disappointment, though. According to AS, the sole position that would entice Klopp back into management is with Germany.
The Spanish outlet reports that taking charge of his nation represents his long-standing aspiration. Whether Klopp achieves that goal in the immediate future may hinge on Germany's performance at the World Cup under Julian Nagelsmann, who remains contracted until after Euro 2028.
The 58-year-old Klopp acknowledged he had lost the drive and enthusiasm for the intensely demanding nature of management when he departed Liverpool in May 2024, but he is not ruling out a return to the touchline at some stage and has responded to the speculation linking him with Real.
Alvaro Arbeloa looks on for Real Madrid
Alvaro Arbeloa is under pressure at Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
View 3 Images
"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," Klopp told AFP. "I don't get up and excited if Real Madrid are showing interest. If they would be, but it's the media.
"Do I want to coach again? At the moment, I would say no, but I cannot say never, never, never. I don't expect to change my mind, but I don't know."
Earlier this year he said: "When I heard the news about Xabi Alonso, it was a bit of a mix. Yes, I was surprised. And no, I wasn't surprised. I was like, 'What?' And, 'Yeah, of course'. I have no clue why it happened, but it's always a specific case and not a general problem, because what they see now, Real Madrid, is that bringing in just the next one is not that easy.
"I would recommend if you sack a manager, you better have an idea who you want to succeed him. And it should be realistic. If they think they can get Pep Guardiola, I would say there's not a big chance."
Buy Blood Red, our monthly Liverpool FC print publication for just £3.50 by clicking here
Content Image
Content Image