Jurgen Klopp dismisses Real Madrid links as ‘nonsense’
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has played down speculation linking him with the manager’s job at Real Madrid, insisting there has been no contact and no plans for an immediate return to the dugout.
Klopp, who stepped down as Liverpool manager at the end of the 2023/24 season, has been working in a new role as Red Bull’s head of global football.
Since leaving Anfield after nearly nine years, the German has kept a relatively low profile, but rumours about his future have continued to surface.
No contact from Madrid
Recent reports suggested he could be in line to take over at Madrid this summer, with Alvaro Arbeloa expected to leave his role at the end of the campaign.
Klopp, however, was quick to shut down those claims when speaking at the Magenta TV World Cup team presentation in Munich.
“If Real Madrid had phoned, we would have heard about it by now,” Klopp told reporters. “But that’s all nonsense. They haven’t called even once, not once. My agent is there, you can ask him. They haven’t called him either.”
‘As a coach I’m not completely finished’
It is not the first time Klopp has been linked with a return to management since his departure from Liverpool.
There has also been speculation about a possible Anfield comeback, particularly amid reports of struggles under his successor, Arne Slot, in his second season in charge.
Klopp’s achievements at Liverpool ensure he remains one of the most sought-after coaches in world football.
During his time at the club, he guided them to UEFA Champions League glory in 2019 and ended a 30-year wait for a league title by winning the Premier League in 2020.
Despite his success and continued links with top jobs, Klopp made it clear he is not currently planning his next move. Instead, he suggested any future return to management remains uncertain.
“For my age, I’m quite advanced in life, but as a coach I’m not completely finished,” he said. “I haven’t reached retirement age. Who knows what will happen in the coming years? But there’s nothing planned.”
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