Klopp: Real’s Hidden Coaching Option

The football world may soon witness another seismic managerial shift as reports emerge that Jürgen Klopp is being seriously considered as a potential successor to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. Just months after stepping away from Liverpool citing energy depletion, Klopp appears to be reconsidering his coaching hiatus, with the Spanish giants potentially offering the perfect opportunity for his return.

Ancelotti’s Precarious Position

Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure at Real Madrid appears increasingly tenuous. Sources close to the club suggest his position is “very difficult,” with many believing it would take a “miracle” for the Italian tactician to remain in charge beyond this season. The sentiment within the Bernabéu is that “it’s time to turn the wheel” despite Ancelotti’s previous successes with the club.

Though winning both La Liga and the Copa del Rey could potentially extend Ancelotti’s stay until at least the Club World Cup, Real Madrid’s leadership is already discreetly exploring replacement options. Among those being considered, two names consistently emerge at the forefront: former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and current Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso.

Klopp’s Unexpected Availability

When Klopp stunned the football world by announcing his Liverpool departure in January 2024, few could have predicted he might return to elite management so quickly. After eight and a half successful seasons at Anfield that saw him transform Liverpool back into European giants, Klopp cited a lack of energy and inability to continue the job at full strength as his primary reasons for leaving.

“If I am running out of energy, I cannot lead the group the way it needs to be led,” Klopp explained during his emotional farewell. He was adamant about one thing: he would never manage another English club besides Liverpool, a commitment to his Anfield legacy.

On January 1st, Klopp assumed the role of Global Director of Football for Red Bull, described as “a kind of representative of the brand, looking for players and staying close to the squads.” However, according to sources, this has proven to be an “odd role” that hasn’t provided the fulfillment Klopp may have anticipated. After just four months in the position, reports suggest he is already considering a return to coaching.

The Madrid Connection: A Decade in the Making

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Klopp’s name has been linked with Real Madrid. Approximately a decade ago, around 2015, Klopp had the opportunity to join the Spanish giants following a trophyless season that saw Ancelotti depart during his first stint at the club. However, club president Florentino Pérez reportedly had one non-negotiable requirement for the new manager: fluency in Spanish.

During his farewell press conference at Borussia Dortmund, Klopp humorously addressed this requirement by demonstrating his Spanish skills with a perfectly pronounced “¡Una cerveza, por favor!” (One beer, please!) followed by laughter. Ultimately, Real Madrid appointed Rafa Benítez instead, while Klopp went on to create history at Liverpool.

A “Hidden Option” Ready to Return

Sources now describe Klopp as Real Madrid’s “hidden option” and a “long-standing desire” of the club. What makes the current situation particularly intriguing is the alignment of circumstances that create a perfect storm for this potential appointment.

Despite initial pronouncements about taking time away from the pressures of management, Klopp’s inner circle reportedly confirms he would be willing to return to coaching in the short term if he received an offer from either Brazil’s national team or Real Madrid specifically. Crucially, there would be no contractual obstacles with Red Bull if he chose to return to coaching, as this contingency was apparently agreed upon when he joined the organization.

During his Liverpool farewell, Klopp himself seemed to acknowledge the uncertainty of his future, saying: “What I know definitely – I will never, ever manage a club in England other than Liverpool, 100 percent. But all the rest, if I’m in the business, I don’t know in this moment.”

Current Status: The Ace Up Madrid’s Sleeve

While no definitive decisions have been made, Klopp is reportedly “formally on the table” as a serious candidate to succeed Ancelotti. He is portrayed as the club’s “ace up their sleeve” – a card that exists even if not currently visible.

The timing could work perfectly for both parties. For Real Madrid, securing a manager of Klopp’s caliber would represent a significant coup and potentially usher in a new era of success. For Klopp, the opportunity to manage one of football’s most prestigious clubs offers a chance to test himself in yet another of Europe’s top leagues, having already conquered the Bundesliga and Premier League.

What Happens Next?

Much depends on Ancelotti’s immediate results in La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Strong performances could earn him a reprieve, while disappointment might accelerate Madrid’s pursuit of Klopp.

For now, Klopp waits in the wings, his Red Bull role seemingly more temporary than initially suggested. The football world watches with anticipation to see if the charismatic German will soon be delivering his trademark fist pumps in celebration on the touchline at the Santiago Bernabéu rather than in corporate boardrooms.

As one source put it, the situations are “very, very similar” to create the perfect storm for this long-rumored union to finally materialize. Should it happen, it would represent one of the most significant managerial appointments in recent football history and potentially reshape the European football landscape once again.