As pressure mounts on Arne Slot at Liverpool, his predecessor Jurgen Klopp has emerged as a potential managerial target.
According to reports from Spain, Real Madrid are considering a surprise approach for Klopp. The 58-year-old left Anfield in the summer of 2024 and took up the role of Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer in January.
In Madrid, Xabi Alonso—who had been seen as Klopp’s potential successor—is under scrutiny. While the situations differ, Arne Slot is also facing challenges in shaping his revamped Liverpool squad into the same winning side that captured the Premier League last season.
Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United has intensified the pressure on Slot, compounded by Mohamed Salah’s outspoken post-match remarks. Amid these struggles, Los Blancos are reportedly evaluating Klopp as a replacement for Alonso.
Madrid-based outlet El Mundo reports that Klopp is viewed as a leading candidate should the club decide to part ways with Alonso. The shortlist reportedly also includes Zinedine Zidane, with internal discussions ongoing over Alonso’s future amid claims of strained relations with key players such as Vinicius Jr.
It remains unclear whether Klopp would be tempted by a potential move to the Bernabeu, but it could offer him a pathway back into frontline management. Since leaving Liverpool, the German coach has stepped away from the day-to-day demands of coaching.
Klopp acknowledged that he departed due to the exhausting pressures of top-level football. His honours at Liverpool include a Premier League title, Champions League triumph, two Carabao Cups, an FA Cup, and a Club World Cup.
On The Diary of a CEO podcast, Klopp confirmed he would not manage another English club, though he left the door open for a possible return to Liverpool. He said: “I said I will never coach another team, a different team, in England. So that means if then it’s Liverpool…yeah. Theoretically, it’s possible.”
He added: “I’m 58, that means I could make the decision in a few years, I don’t know. Do I have to make the decision today?
“Then I will not coach again. But thank God, I don’t have to do that. I can just see what the future brings.”
Clearly, Klopp’s previous managerial career has taken a heavy toll on his energy, raising questions about his readiness to return. Meanwhile, Liverpool have slipped to ninth in the Premier League, while Real Madrid’s 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo left them four points behind Barcelona. In the Champions League, Liverpool face Inter Milan, and Real host Manchester City.
