Jurgen Klopp has been linked with jobs at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. (Image: Getty Images) This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Jurgen Klopp’s agent has emphasised that the former Liverpool FC boss is “very happy” in his present position at Red Bull and speculation regarding Real Madrid remains “just rumours for now”. Klopp is serving as Red Bull’s global head of football, having departed Liverpool in 2024, but remains linked with prominent managerial vacancies.
The German was touted as a possible Real Madrid contender after they dismissed Xabi Alonso in January. They appointed his former colleague, Alvaro Arbeloa, as Alonso’s successor, though this hasn’t halted the speculation. Additionally, there has been baseless speculation that Klopp might return to Liverpool to succeed Arne Slot following a challenging period on Merseyside.
Liverpool have, however, reportedly decided on Alonso if they do part ways with Slot, though no such call is thought to be seriously considered at the moment.
And reports from Spain have even suggested that Atletico Madrid could replace Diego Simeone, who is in the final year of his deal, with Klopp.
The rumours are such that Klopp’s agent, Marc Kosicke, has deemed it necessary to publicly refute them. “Jurgen Klopp is very happy with his current role at Red Bull, and what is being said about negotiations to coach Real Madrid are just rumours for now,” he told 365Scores.
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Kosicke also dismissed reports that Klopp could move into international management before the World Cup. “There’s no need to answer questions about things that are just rumours,” Kosicke continued. “Nobody has contacted us at this time.”
Klopp has discussed how thoroughly he relishes his more laid-back position at Red Bull, where he oversees their multi-club network, including RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls and Paris FC.
Jurgen Klopp is happy at Red Bull. (Image: Getty Images)
“I’m in a place, as a person, where I’m completely at peace with where I am. I don’t want to be somewhere else,” Klopp told AFP in January. “I don’t get up and excited if Real Madrid are showing interest. If they would be, but it’s the media.
“Do I want to coach again? At the moment, I would say no, but I cannot say never, never, never. I don’t expect to change my mind, but I don’t know.”
Speaking to The Athletic in September, Klopp suggested that he might utilise his spell with Red Bull as a pathway back into management. “I know I can coach a football team, but that doesn’t mean I have to do it until my last day,” he added.
“I wanted to do something different. Red Bull gave me an opportunity to find a role which we have been defining together, step by step. I’m in a place as a person where I’m completely at peace with where I am. I don’t want to be somewhere else.
“I’ve got to know a lot of people who I didn’t know before. I’ve been to a lot of business meetings and learned words that I never knew before. It’s been a good time. One year in, five years of experience gained.”