Jurgen Klopp Reaffirms Real Madrid Stance – but “Cannot Say Never” on Future Jobs

LEIPZIG, Germany – Jurgen Klopp has once again dismissed speculation linking him to the Real Madrid managerial vacancy, emphasizing his contentment in his current role as Red Bull's Global Head of Soccer. The former Liverpool boss, who left Anfield in May 2024, reiterated his disinterest amid reports of Real Madrid's interest following Xabi Alonso's dismissal after just seven months, culminating in a 3-2 Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona.[1][2][4]

Klopp, speaking ahead of RB Leipzig's 5-1 defeat to Bayern Munich, stated he is "at peace" and misses nothing about coaching. "I'm in a place as a person, I'm at peace. I don't want to be somewhere else," he told media. "I don't get up and excited if Real Madrid is showing interest – if they would, but it's the media."[1][2]

Since joining Red Bull a year ago, Klopp has consistently downplayed a return to the touchline, though he left a slight opening: "Do I want to coach again? In the moment, I would say no but we cannot say never, never, never… I'm completely happy with what I'm doing."[1][2][4] He reacted to Alonso's exit with mixed feelings: "When I heard about Xabi Alonso, I was somewhat conflicted. Yes, I was surprised, and no, I wasn’t."[2]

Reports suggest Real Madrid, now under interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa, views Klopp as a summer option and could try to lure him from "retirement." However, sources close to the 58-year-old indicate he is "happy at Red Bull and has a strong identification with the Red Bull project."[3] Klopp advised Madrid to pursue "realistic" successors, noting slim chances for names like Pep Guardiola.[2]

While firmly rejecting the Bernabeu job now, Klopp's nuanced "cannot say never" keeps faint speculation alive, though his focus remains off the sidelines.[1][4]

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