(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Tue 28 April 2026 14:09, UK

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Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to accept an offer to return to management with Real Madrid as he currently has no plans to take on a new job after leaving Liverpool.

The 58-year-old is believed to be a top contender to replace Alvaro Arbeloa at the Bernabeu this summer, with Los Blancos keen to lure him back into the game.

Since leaving Liverpool in 2024, he has reiterated his decision to step away from coaching and is happy in his roll as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer.

As a result, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Klopp could reject any advances from Real Madrid despite the temptation they would bring.

After citing concerns about his health and wellbeing as his reason for leaving Liverpool, stepping into a high-pressure management role at Real Madrid is not part of his plans.

Why do Real Madrid want Jurgen Klopp?

Football Insider reported on 27 April that Klopp is among the contenders for Real Madrid, but his stance on returning means he is not the favourite as things stand.

The likes of Jose Mourinho and Mauricio Pochettino have also been linked with the role, but Los Blancos chiefs have been keen to lure the former Liverpool boss back in.

However, they may be forced to reconsider their options as Klopp is considered unlikely to accept an offer and will remain out of management as things stand.

“There’s an enormous amount of pressure at Real Madrid,” Brown told Football Insider.

“By all accounts, Klopp is enjoying himself doing what he’s doing, and he hasn’t got any players to step back in and deal with all of that pressure.

“The reason he left Liverpool in the first place was because the constant demands of management were becoming too much for him.

“So stepping back into a job where those demands are even higher and the pressure is even more, it wouldn’t make much sense from his point of view.

“It’s no surprise Real Madrid are looking at him, and maybe they hoped he would be tempted, but there are other candidates who they’ll look at instead.”

Could Klopp return to Liverpool one day?

While Klopp is unlikely to accept another job in management as things stand, a return to Anfield has not been ruled out if he is every offered the chance.

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Klopp is awaiting a call from Liverpool and could be an option to replace Arne Slot.

Wyness explained that there have been rumours circulating in his network about a potential return, although he believes the suggestion is fanciful as things stand.

After nearly nine years at the club where he won seven trophies, Klopp walked away from his position, but could be asked to return sooner than expected.

Former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso is also high on the Reds’ list of targets and would be favourable amongst the fans, but Slot is likely to remain in his job.