Klopp makes U-turn that puts Liverpool on alert

Suraj Radia

11 Dec 2025 17:08 GMT
4 min read

Jurgen Klopp has shocked Liverpool by reversing on his managerial future amid the increasing pressure on Arne Slot, having been linked with a dramatic return to Anfield.

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Klopp is among the bookmakers’ favourites to replace Slot if Liverpool do part ways with their manager after a disastrous run of form which has seen them lose nine of their last 16 matches.

Liverpool are set to give Slot more time to turn his fortunes around, particularly under the expectation that Klopp was not looking to return to management anytime soon after ending his legendary nine-year stint on Merseyside in 2024.

However, according to reports in Spain, Klopp’s contract in his new role with Red Bull contains a clause allowing him to leave his position without compensation if he receives an offer from a top club.

Klopp has been strongly linked with the Real Madrid job if they sack Xabi Alonso, although the Spanish coach is set to have one more game to save his career with Los Blancos despite a loss to Manchester City in the Champions League this week.

But the ability to approach Klopp freely has seemingly alerted both Liverpool and Real and his availability may play into the thoughts of both clubs in the coming weeks if either do look to make a change in the dugout.

Klopp open to Liverpool return despite ‘not missing’ management

Klopp has been Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull since January, having left Liverpool in May 2024 and the German coach had admitted recently that, while he could ‘theoretically’ envision a return to the Reds, he ‘would not coach again’ if he had to make the decision today.

© IMAGO - Jurgen Klopp currently has an executive role with Red Bull.

Speaking on the Diary of a CEO podcast, Klopp explained: "I said I will never coach a different team in England. So that means if [he returns to England] it's Liverpool.

"So yeah, theoretically it's possible. I love what I do right now, I don't miss coaching. I don't. I mean I do coach, just different, not players. And I don't miss it.

"I don't miss standing in the rain two-and-a-half, three hours. I don't miss going to press conference three times a week, having 10-12 interviews a week. I don't miss that.

"I don't miss being in the dressing room in the sense that I don't have it often enough, I coached 1,080 something games. So, I was in the dressing room very, very often.

"I'm 58, that's from your perspective, old from the other side, it's not that old. That means I could make the decision in a few years. I don't know. [If] I had to make the decision today, I won't coach again but thank God I don't have to do that. I can just see what the future brings."

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