Jurgen Klopp ‘shortlisted’ for sensational return to management

He hasn't managed a side since leaving Liverpool in 2024

18+ Be Gamble Aware

According to a new report in Spain from Madrid-based outlet El Mundo, Klopp is one of the figures favoured by Real Madrid to take over from Xabi Alonso.

Alonso's side lost 2-0 to Celta Vigo on Sunday, in a result that saw them fall four points behind league leaders Barcelona.

Further reports point to Alonso being on very thin ice in Madrid. Should Los Blancos fail to beat Man City in the Champions League this week, it is widely expected that the former Liverpool midfielder will lose his job.

If he leaves his post, Real Madrid will look to find a replacement as soon as possible, and two names have already been put on a shortlist.

Per El Mundo, Klopp and Zinedine Zidane are Madrid's two favoured options to take over at the Bernabeu. It is not yet clear which of the two is the 'number one' option.

However, despite reported interest from the Spanish superclub, it still remains to be seen if Klopp is interested in a switch to La Liga. After his departure from Anfield in 2024, the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund head coach made clear that he was looking for a sustained break from football, and so far there has been no indication he is ready to make a return.

Rumours surrounding Klopp's potential return to management come at a pivotal moment for the German's former club Liverpool.

The Reds are close to a point of crisis, as the result of a public fall-out between boss Arne Slot and star player Mo Salah.

Salah gave a rare interview on Saturday evening in which he said he felt he had been "thrown under the bus" by his club. It came after the Egyptian star had been benched for three consecutive matches for the first time in his Liverpool career.

Salah also suggested there had been a break-down in the relationship between himself and Slot.

It may come to pass that Liverpool have to choose between the manager and the club legend, and should the former leave and Klopp make himself available for Madrid, then Alonso could be an option in Merseyside.

Being an ex-Red and also previous candidate to manage Liverpool when Klopp left, he seem like a good fit.