Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a return to management amid reports suggesting he might leave his role as Red Bull’s global head of soccer.
Klopp is reportedly moving closer to a managerial comeback, despite claims last month that he could depart Red Bull being branded “complete nonsense.” The 58-year-old left Liverpool in the summer of 2024, after nearly nine years in charge, to take a break from coaching.
During his tenure at the Reds, Klopp won the Champions League and Premier League. His close bond with the club led him to declare he would never coach another English side. Despite serving as Red Bull’s global head of soccer since January 2025, he has continued to be linked with a managerial return.
Recent speculation suggested Real Madrid could be a potential destination following Xabi Alonso’s departure in January. A report in Salzburger Nachrichten claimed Klopp’s position at Red Bull was no longer secure and that the company would not block him if he wished to return to coaching.
Responding to the claims, Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaf told The Athletic: “That’s complete nonsense and totally unfounded. On the contrary: We are extremely satisfied with Jurgen Klopp’s work.
“He invests a great deal, is in constant communication with our coaches and sporting directors, and is sustainably developing our Red Bull football philosophy. We are convinced that he is the right man for the job. That’s where we are focusing all our energy and attention.”
However, French publication L’Equipe reported that the sporting situation of Red Bull’s two main clubs is “hardly satisfactory,” with part of the responsibility attributed to Klopp. RB Leipzig currently sit 5th in the Bundesliga, while RB Salzburg were eliminated from the Europa League in the group stage.
The report adds that as time passes, Klopp increasingly desires a return to coaching, with Oliver Glasner mentioned as a potential successor at the end of the season. Even though both Chelsea and Manchester United denied making official approaches, Klopp’s agent, Marc Kosicke, revealed last month that both clubs expressed interest in hiring the German.
“Maybe at some point he’ll say he needs to smell the locker room again,” Kosicke told Transfermarkt. “But at the moment he’s very, very happy in his role.
“Before joining Red Bull, Jürgen could have coached the USA or England. Probably also Germany, if Julian Nagelsmann hadn’t already been there.
“Even Chelsea and Manchester United inquired, although Jürgen had clearly stated that he would not coach any other club in England. These inquiries keep coming.
“He’s extremely happy with what he’s achieved. And it’s still wonderful to go down in history as one of the few coaches who only managed three clubs and were never fired.”