Real Madrid ‘doing everything’ to land Jurgen Klopp, his stance on managerial return revealed
Real Madrid will have to present Jurgen Klopp with a huge contract offer to tempt him back into the dugout as he continues his time away from football management.
Klopp left Liverpool in 2024 after nearly nine years in charge of the club, during which he transformed them into a major force once again.
The German led the Reds to Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup triumphs, but departed Anfield 18 months ago after admitting that he felt burnt out.
He has since been appointed as Red Bull’s Head of Global Football as he takes time out of management, but Klopp has been linked to the Real Madrid job recently amid uncertainty around Xabi Alonso’s position in charge.
Alonso was dismissed on Monday following a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona, but as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Los Blancos could find it tough to tempt Klopp back onto the sidelines anytime soon.
Klopp is ‘happy’ at Red Bull with no immediate plans to return to management
Alvaro Arbeloa is Madrid’s new manager after being promoted from their youth side, but they are still expected to extend their search for a definitive, long-term appointment in the summer.
Football Insider have revealed that Klopp is a ‘dream’ hire for Madrid as they aim to tempt him back into the managerial hotseat, but it could take a sizeable wage offer to secure his services soon, as he enjoys his spell out of the game.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I’m sure the interest from Real Madrid is there. They’ll try to do everything they can to persuade Jurgen Klopp to return to management, so you just never know.
“Madrid are such a huge opportunity for anybody, whether you’re a player or a manager…it’s hard to turn down.
“So I’m sure they’ll be doing everything they possibly can to try and persuade Klopp to come out of retirement and return to club football.
“But yeah, right now Klopp seems happy with his role, what he’s doing with Red Bull at the minute. It would take a big, attractive offer to convince him to return to football management.
Real Madrid are ‘desperate’ to raid Man City for Rodri signing
Madrid are on track to finish as runners-up to Barcelona in La Liga for the second successive season, and so it is no wonder that they are planning to be busy appointing a permanent manager and bringing in new signings in the summer.
Sources told Football Insider last year that City were concerned about Rodri’s future amid interest from Los Blancos, with the club known to be long-term admirers of the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner’s talents.
Football Insider revealed on Friday that Madrid are “desperate” to sign Rodri this summer, but City are planning to hold new contract talks with his representatives soon.
The 29-year-old could well end up back in the Spanish capital at some point in the near future, potentially to be managed by Liverpool icon Klopp if he can be tempted back to management.