Jurgen Klopp 'in talks' over sensational coaching return after Liverpool spat

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a return to management at Atletico Madrid, with Spanish reports claiming he is in advanced negotiations to succeed Diego Simeone

Jurgen Klopp is being linked with a return to management(Image: Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a surprising move to Atletico Madrid.

The former Liverpool manager currently serves as Red Bull's global head of soccer. Recent reports suggested dissatisfaction within the company regarding his work. However, Red Bull dismissed these rumors, expressing satisfaction with Klopp's performance, yet speculation about a possible departure has resurfaced.

Now, Spanish media outlets are suggesting that Klopp is being eyed as the successor to Diego Simeone at Atletico. This would be a fascinating development, especially given Simeone's Anfield spat; he was sent off at the ground last September and had to be escorted away from Liverpool fans near his dugout after the Reds' 3-2 Champions League win.

This summer, Simeone will be entering the final year of his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano. However, Spanish TV show El Chiringuito has reported that Klopp is in advanced talks about taking over from the Argentine.

El Chiringuito suggests that Klopp is in discussions with Mark Rowan, the CEO of Apollo, the majority shareholder of Atletico.

Given how emphatically Red Bull dismissed the recent rumors surrounding Klopp, the company might be equally taken aback by these reports from Spain.

Diego Simeone was sent off at Anfield before he was dragged away from Liverpool supporters who were heckling him(Image: Getty Images)

Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, dismissed the latest speculation by stating: "This is total nonsense and completely unfounded.

"On the contrary, we are extremely satisfied with Jurgen Klopp's work. We are convinced that he is the right man for this job. That's where we are putting our full focus and our energy."

When Klopp revealed he was departing Anfield in 2024, he maintained he would never manage another English soccer side. Nevertheless, he remained silent on the possibility of taking charge of another European club.

Following Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso's dismissal by Real Madrid, the German was swiftly touted as a candidate for the Bernabeu hot seat.

The Premier League champion was also mooted as a possible successor for the Germany national team role, should current manager Julian Nagelsmann depart after the World Cup.

In a September interview with The Athletic, Klopp emphasised he was relishing the newfound freedom away from football, highlighting the pleasure he has derived from attending weddings and visiting the cinema.

Yet, he appeared to leave the door slightly open regarding a potential return to management. When questioned whether he is certain about not wanting to coach again, he responded: "That's what I think. But you don't know.

"I'm 58. If I started again at 65, everybody will say, 'You said you'll never do it again!' Er, sorry, I thought 100 percent (when I said it)! That is what I think now. I don't miss anything."