Liverpool great Jurgen Klopp ‘seriously considering’ shock comeback

Robin Bairner

• 15 Jan 2026 06:45 CST
• 4 min read

Nieuws

Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp is a serious contender to return to management, with the Real Madrid job tempting him to make a comeback.

Klopp has been out of the dugout since leaving Anfield in the summer of 2024 to become Red Bull’s head of global football.

Although the German has denied that he is ready to leave his current post, reports from his homeland suggest that he is tempted by the Bernabeu post, which became vacant when Xabi Alonso was sacked on Monday following Clasico defeat to Barcelona.

Will Jurgen Klopp be Real Madrid’s next manager?

Sky Sport Deutschland transfer reporter Florian Plettenberg has taken to X to announce Klopp is open to the Real Madrid post.

He says: “Jurgen Klopp is seriously considering a return as head coach should Real Madrid make a concrete move for the summer, as exclusively revealed.

“Real Madrid have always fascinated him. He is happy at Red Bull and has a strong identification with the Red Bull project, but there are at least two projects for which he would return if EVERYTHING fits: Real Madrid and the German national team.

“Klopp and Real Madrid - one to watch for summer 2026.”

Is Klopp suitable for Los Blancos?

The Real Madrid job is one of the most notoriously difficult in football, with superstar players often being backed ahead of the manager, yet Klopp is the type of character who could thrive in this role.

The German has management and inspirational qualities that Alonso lacks.

As Gabriel Marcotti points out, writing for ESPN: “Xabi Alonso, the cardinal sin was that Real Madrid appointed a ‘system’ coach when, in the past 15 years, they've really only thrived with ‘man-managers’ such as Zinedine Zidane, Carlo Ancelotti or Jose Mourinho. It's not that these guys don't know their tactics or patterns of play; it's more that they understood that at a club stacked with superstars, you need a different approach, some kind of ‘Galactico whisperer’ vibe.”

Klopp would seem to tick this box.

Could he return to Liverpool?

Based on Plettenberg’s report, Klopp will not be returning to Liverpool, where he established himself as an icon thanks to nine years at the helm of the club.

He has regularly been rumoured to be a target for the Reds’ board should they take action to sack Arne Slot, who is enduring a difficult second season at the club.

Equally, ex-Real Madrid boss Alonso is also seen as a prime contender for the job following his departure from the Bernabeu. The former Bayer Leverkusen head coach enjoyed a storied spell as a midfielder on Merseyside.

Indeed, Alonso appears likelier to replace Slot at present than Klopp.

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