According to Independent, Real Madrid have re-ignited their interest in Jurgen Klopp, with the German now their preferred target on a manager shortlist that also includes Mauricio Pochettino and Max Allegri.
The deposed European champions are facing up to their worst season since 2008-09, having been knocked out of all competitions by March, but that is one reason they don't want to "damage" the perception of any new appointment and are thereby likely to keep Santiago Solari in charge until the summer.
Madrid will in the meantime launch a campaign to appoint a manager who can be hailed as bringing in an exciting new era for the club.
Jose Mourinho has not been completely ruled out, and still has a good relationship with president Florentino Perez and director general Jose Angel Sanchez, but there is a view at the top level of the club that the Portuguese is "finished".
More importantly, the Madrid hierarchy want a manager who restores "excitement and happiness" - or, as goes the Spanish word being used at the club, "ilusion" - and without any prior baggage or bad relationship with the players.
That is why Klopp is seen as number one, as Perez and his officials have been hugely impressed with the excitement he has created again at Liverpool.
The German has turned Madrid down before, though, and the Bernabeu hierarchy are as aware he could as difficult to prise from Anfield as Pochettino is from Tottenham Hotspur.
The club are however determined for an entirely fresh approach, and a summer of complete renewal, in what is set to be the busiest close season since 2009.
wizkprsu
277
Real Madrid need a striker not a manager and some players to be confined on the bench
Mopaelmrsu
249
We are right on track with Klopp, trailing a point behind before a possible 27 points to end season can never be a calamity. We have just one draw too many, and if we are realistic, a lot improved from prior seasons. We need Klopp and will support him for another campaign and another and another....
vehaeinprs
230
jurgen kloop has nothing to offer real Madrid.... a trophy less coach?
Faccdikrs
215
Plea Real Madrid come and snatch out Allegri for free. We will never ask a penny from you just tempt him out of our staff..
tesacdetz
203
To all Pool fans better say goodbye to Klopp now. RM will never stop trying to lure him now that Poch has been ruled out because he has never won anything. Forget about Jose as he has a ‘bad history’ with RM. Pep will never go RM because of his Barca ties. Zidane is also out as he left because he’s achieved everything with RM and left because of Perez. So all the top managers in the world are not available. Klopp is their first choice now as he has always dream of managing one of the biggest clubs in the world.
12UnitedGuyReborn
201
Article: Klopp is Madrid No.1 target as they want 'excitement & happiness' Me: we want trophies too [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Vipacdknot
186
if klopp wants to win the UCL he should go to real Madrid. real Madrid is a team with great tradition history and ambition. I think no manager can decline if an offer comes to them from Los blancos. at real klopp can make history and become one of the greats.
Lanbdz
160
An hour has just passed when l posted an article saying don’t listen to what these idiotic papers write you have a high BP levels because of the stories they post for us to read. Earlier on it was Zidane being talked to rejoin the club he left and was said to have been promised all the powers of deciding the ins and outs in players but listen now it is Klopp. Unless he is blind or stupid he will take that post but what about his own project at Liverpool? If he goes there that would mean setting his former club some years back as he would definitely poach his former players to join him there and forcing who ever comes in to restart rebuilding the club.
Charlesugwu
153
Real should start first by changing their leadership. ..Perez ought step down at the end of the season otherwise no miracle in sight for them. If they like, let them hire Koop and Jose all together, they will still struggle against Barca
naubinrsyz
120
Tbh,the way he elevated Liverpool as a top club is a success kn itself given the worsening condition of the club when Klopp arrived... He can literally cause havoc with Real madrid where he would have a freedom of required budget.... If Liverpool is willing to give us Klopp... They should sign Zidane,No offence
RedCrucible
86
Oh No ! I follow liverpool and Watch all the matches just because him! I never miss a single match of Liverpool ! I still go school and I even watch champion leagues matches which is 22:00 PM etc... Please Kloop Do Not Go! @Afy I want you to see this comment and please show that Klopp or take a screenshot and post it somewhere ! I would be in Tears if I'm seeing my Kloop go! I follow liverpool Since 2013 ! #YNWA FROM FRANCE SORRY FOR MY BAD ENGLISH @Everyone..
delaplata
43
Did the caption say happiness? If yes, then the caption is questionable! Madrid gets happy when they win trophies. When Mourinho's philosophy wasnt working anymore, we knew at Old Trafford, a new brain and mentality must come. Madrid will be sadden if they watch their greatest rival take laurels while the don't. To be happy again as a champion especially domestically, You don't need a coach who had Spend about $400+ million in 4years at a club and is still chasing his first trophy. At the time when you believe you are close to be a champion and watch it slip off ur hands doesn't will bring you more grief than happiness. Liverpool can relate.