Former Liverpool manager and Red Bull’s incoming head of global soccer Jurgen Klopp is continuing to attract admiring glances from elsewhere despite recently signing up for his new project
Jurgen Klopp is expected to be among the names targeted for Real Madrid if they decide to part company with Carlo Ancelotti, it has been claimed.
The former Liverpool manager, 57, has been unattached since leaving the Reds earlier this year, though it was announced last month that Klopp would become Red Bull’s new head of global soccer in January.
Klopp’s decision to take on such a role has sparked a furious backlash in his native Germany, where he was idolised by the fanbases at his other former clubs, Borussia Dortmund and Mainz. However, his new gig hasn’t stopped speculation linking him with a return to the dugout.
He continues to be linked with the Germany job and it’s been reported in some quarters that Klopp requested an exit clause in his contract that would allow him to leave specifically for said role.
But he also has suitors within the domestic game and a coach of Klopp’s calibre is likely to appeal to Real Madrid, who are weighing up Ancelotti’s future. That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, though the publication adds Klopp would be unlikely to entertain any approach given he has only just committed to Red Bull.
Ancelotti is under growing scrutiny in Spain despite leading Real Madrid to both the La Liga title and Champions League glory last term.
It’s said that Saturday’s fixture against Osasuna could prove decisive for the Italian, with the likes of Raul and Alvaro Arbeloa, both of whom are still involved with their former club, also in the frame.
The club’s primary target is Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso and it seems the prospect of hiring an interim coach until the Spaniard is ready to move on is another option which could appeal to the powerbrokers at the Bernabeu.
Klopp, meanwhile, has recently been defending his decision to work with Red Bull. Speaking on Toni Kroos’ podcast, he said: “You cannot make your decision depending on what reactions there will be.
“I did not want to step on anyone’s toes. I love all my former clubs, but I don’t know what I could have done so that everyone is happy.
“I am 57 and can still work a few more years, but I did not see myself on the sidelines for now. It was clear for me that I would do something – so then Red Bull came.”
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