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It's claimed Real Madrid is eyeing a surprise move for Jurgen Klopp, as per Spanish media reports.
Klopp, 58, bid farewell to Anfield in the summer of 2024 and took up the role of Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull at the beginning of January. In Madrid, Xabi Alonso, once tipped to succeed Klopp, is feeling the heat at Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Arne Slot is also finding it challenging to shape his revamped Liverpool squad into the same victorious force that clinched the Premier League title last season. A 3-3 stalemate away to Leeds has only intensified the scrutiny on him, while Mohamed Salah's fiery post-match comments against Slot have further stoked the flames.
As both managers grapple with their respective challenges, Los Blancos are reportedly mulling over Klopp as a potential replacement for Alonso.
Madrid-based outlet El Mundo reports that Madrid views Klopp as a top contender to step into Alonso's shoes should the club decide to sever ties with him.
Klopp is said to be on a shortlist that also features Zinedine Zidane, with meetings scheduled to discuss Alonso's future amid rumors of strained relations between him and key players like Vinicius Jr.
Whether Klopp would be enticed by a possible move to the Bernabeu is yet to be seen, but such a switch could offer him a pathway back into management. The German has taken a break from the daily rigours of coaching since leaving Liverpool last summer.
Klopp confessed that he decided to step down due to the intense demands of top-tier soccer. His tenure was marked by a Premier League title, Champions League victory, two Carabao Cup wins, an FA Cup triumph, and Club World Cup success.
In a recent episode of The Diary of a CEO podcast, Klopp ruled out managing another English team but hinted at a potential Liverpool comeback. He stated: "I said I will never coach another team, a different team, in England.
"So that means if then it's Liverpool... yeah. Theoretically, it's possible."
He added: "I'm 58, that means I could make the decision in a few years, I don't know. Do I have to make the decision today?
"Then I will not coach again. But thank God, I don't have to do that. I can just see what the future brings."
It's clear that his managerial career has taken a toll on him, raising questions about his readiness to return to the touchline. Meanwhile, Liverpool has slipped to ninth in the Premier League standings.
Madrid's defeat to Celta Vigo saw the Spanish team fall four points behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race. In the Champions League, Liverpool is set to face Inter Milan, while Madrid will host Manchester City.
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