While the pressure continues to pile on Arne Slot's shoulders at Liverpool, his predecessor Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a stunning move back to management
Real Madrid are plotting a shock move for Jurgen Klopp, according to reports from Spain. Klopp, 58, left Anfield in the summer of 2024 and became Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer at the start of January.
In the Spanish capital, Xabi Alonso, who was considered to replace Klopp, is under pressure at Real Madrid. While the situations are different, Arne Slot is also struggling to mould his new-look Liverpool team into the same winning machine which won the Premier League last season.
A 3-3 draw away to Leeds United has only piled the pressure on him further, while Mohamed Salah's explosive post-match statement against Slot has turned the heat up even more. While both managers continue to struggle, Los Blancos are reportedly considering Klopp as a replacement for Alonso.
According to Madrid-based publication El Mundo, Real Madrid see Klopp as a prime candidate to take over from Alonso should they choose to part ways with him. Klopp is reportedly on a shortlist also including Zinedine Zidane, as meetings are set to discuss the fate of Alonso amid claims of strained relationships between him and key players like Vinicius Jr.
Whether Klopp would be tempted by a potential switch to the Bernabeu remains to be seen, but such a move could present him with a route back into management. The German tactician has stepped away from the daily grind of coaching since departing Liverpool last summer.
Klopp admitted he chose to leave after becoming exhausted by the demands of top level football. A Premier League title and Champions League glory stood out among his achievements, along with two Carabao Cup triumphs, an FA Cup and a Club World Cup success.
Speaking recently on The Diary of a CEO podcast, Klopp confirmed he wouldn't take charge of another English side, though he left the door open for a potential return to Liverpool. He said: "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 continued: "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 evident his managerial career has drained considerable energy from him up to this point, leaving questions over just how prepared Klopp would be to return to the dugout. Meanwhile, Liverpool have dropped to ninth in the Premier League table.
Real Madrid's loss to Celta Vigo also saw them drop four points behind fierce rivals Barcelona. In the Champions League, the Reds face Inter Milan, while Real host Manchester City.