Jurgen Klopp has been advised to steer clear of a potential move to Real Madrid as the Spanish giants search for their next head coach. Madrid have already made one managerial change this season, with Xabi Alonso having been replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa.
Another shake-up is anticipated this summer following what has proven to be a deeply underwhelming season. Former Liverpool manager Klopp has consistently been touted as a candidate for the Bernabeu hot seat since his departure from Anfield.
Former Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn has weighed in on the matter, urging the German to avoid the role. Speaking to Marca, he said: “I don’t know if I’d do that if I were Jurgen Klopp.
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Klopp currently works as Red Bull’s head of global soccer -Credit:PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images
“Do Real Madrid and Jurgen Klopp fit together? If we analyze it more deeply, Jurgen is one of those who likes to develop, to build.”
He added: “What’s more, he works with a defined system. Real Madrid is something completely different. Real Madrid is a collection of individuals, a group of superstars who categorically refuse to have any concept imposed on them.
“We saw it with Xabi Alonso. It’s about whether, as a manager, you have the respect, can connect with the players, can manage the big stars and can convince them of the system you intend to implement.”
Klopp has spoken publicly about the Real Madrid position this season, suggesting the role is potentially more demanding than many appreciate, as per The Mirror. Speaking following Alonso’s firing, he said: “It actually has (been ringing) – though not from Madrid. But yes, there were definitely a few people who felt they had to contact me directly about it!
“First of all, I think it’s another sign that something isn’t quite right there at the moment. If Xabi Alonso, who over the last two years in Leverkusen has shown what an outstanding coaching talent he is – and I think at his age and with the number of jobs he’s had, you can say that – is then forced to leave Madrid just six months later, it shows a few things.
“On the one hand, it shows that nowadays there’s no time anymore. On the other, the expectations at Real Madrid are obviously enormous. To make a decision like that in the heat of the moment, after losing a cup final to Barcelona yesterday, says a lot.”
Beyond Klopp’s comments, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez appears to have a clear frontrunner in mind. Reports indicate that Jose Mourinho is being pursued for a return to the Spanish capital, despite currently being under contract with Benfica.
