Jurgen Klopp has two teams he’d return to management for but neither are Liverpool | Football | Sport
Jurgen Klopp would only return to management for two teams and wouldn’t consider returning to Liverpool, according to reports. The former Reds manager has been away from the touchline since leaving Anfield at the end of the 2023/24 season. He has been working as Red Bull’s head of global football since January but has been linked with a potential return to the dugout in recent weeks.
It’s been reported that Real Madrid are considering a move for Klopp after Xabi Alonso was relieved of his duties earlier this week. Those in power at the Bernabeu decided to axe the Spaniard following their defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa last weekend. Alvaro Arbeloa has replaced Alonso as manager but Klopp has reportedly emerged as a potential target ahead of the summer.
The former Liverpool boss would be open to managing Los Blancos should they come calling, according to Sky Germany.
He is said to be happy within his current role and has a ‘strong identification’ with the Red Bull project. However, there are certain circumstances in which he would consider a return to management.
It’s claimed that Klopp would accept the Real Madrid job if it is offered to him, while he would also be interested in managing Germany at international level.
However, there is no mention of a possible return to Liverpool in the event Arne Slot is axed in the near future. The current Reds manager has been under pressure this season after overseeing a difficult start to their Premier League title defence.
Speaking on ServusTV, he said: “[My phone] actually has [been ringing], though not from Madrid. But yes, there were definitely a few people who felt they had to contact me directly about it.
“I think the rumours have been circulating for some time now and I know exactly what your question is getting at, but it has nothing to do with me.
“I was surprised, that’s true, genuinely surprised. Then a few people messaged me and I replied with various emojis. I really feel sorry for him, because I consider him a great coach. It has nothing to do with me and didn’t trigger anything in me either.
“I think when you arrive after a legend and an incredibly good coach [Carlo Ancelotti], who had a very specific way of coaching his team, if you arrive there and try to implement some new rules, this time it seems it has proven too difficult.”
Real Madrid will be hoping for improved fortunes under Arbeloa, although he didn’t get off to the best start to his managerial reign. He oversaw a chastening defeat at the hands of second-tier Albacete in the Copa del Rey in his first match in charge.
