Jurgen Klopp rubbishes Real Madrid links but names surprise job he would prefer

Jürgen Klopp has emphatically shut down rumours around him potentially becoming the next Real Madrid manager.

The former Liverpool boss has been linked with Real since they sacked Xabi Alonso in January, but he’s rubbished the speculation.

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However, Klopp, who has been on a break since leaving Anfield in 2024, has left the door open to an eventual return to management.

He is currently Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, working with teams including RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and Leeds United.

But it doesn’t seem like he’ll be leaving that role too soon, as he boldly shut down the talk about him and Real Madrid.

Speaking at a press conference after being unveiled as a pundit for German channel Magenta TV at this summer’s World Cup, he said: “All the news that’s coming out is complete nonsense.

“They haven’t called me even once, not even a single time! They haven’t called my agent either.

“Preferably, I’d take over at Atletico Madrid at the same time. Sorry, Madrid, you’ll have to call first”.

Klopp revealed that he has had no contact with at all with Real Madrid, who currently have Alvaro Arbeloa in charge.

And the German’s passing mention of their bitter rivals Atletico Madrid may indicate what side of Madrid he’d rather head to.

Diego Simeone has been Atletico boss for the last 15 years and is a club icon, with his contract running through to 2027.

But for now, he’s planning on staying as part of the Red Bull team.

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Returning to the touchline?

After shutting down the Real Madrid rumours, Klopp was asked whether he would ever come back to management.

And he admitted: “I’m certainly quite advanced for life at my age, but as a coach, I’m not completely and utterly finished.

“I haven’t reached retirement age yet.

“Who knows what will happen in the coming years. But nothing is planned in that regard.”

Klopp also addressed links to the Germany national team job, but with the World Cup coming up this summer, he said: “At the moment, I’m obviously not thinking about that at all.

“And fortunately, there’s no reason to.”

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Klopp back at Liverpool

Klopp may not be planning to return to management in the near future, but he will be back on the touchline at Anfield soon.

He will be an assistant to Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish for a legends match between the Reds and Borussia Dortmund.

The 58-year-old is going to be back on Merseyside this Saturday to help raise money for the LFC Foundation.

Klopp spent nine years as Liverpool manager, winning eight trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League.

And before that, he’d spent seven years at Dortmund, winning two German Bundesliga titles with them.

So, it will be a meaningful clash and enough to see him make a comeback to the Anfield dugout this weekend.