Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a surprise switch to Atletico Madrid per reports out of Spain. The legendary Liverpool boss currently serves as global head of soccer for the Red Bull organisation. Recent speculation suggested there is some discontent with his performance within the company, with outgoing Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner supposedly identified as a possible successor.
Whilst these claims were dismissed by Red Bull, who confirmed their satisfaction with Klopp’s contributions, fresh reports suggesting a potential departure have once more emerged. On this occasion, Spanish media outlets have suggested Klopp is being considered as the successor to Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.
This would represent a fascinating development, given that Simeone was beaten at Anfield in September and had to be restrained from talking to one Liverpool fan near his technical area after the Reds’ 3-2 Champions League victory.
During the summer, Simeone will begin the concluding year of his deal at the Wanda Metropolitano. Nevertheless, Spanish television programme El Chiringuito have claimed Klopp is in advanced discussions about replacing the Argentine.
They claim Klopp is in dialogue with Mark Rowan, who serves as the CEO of Atletico’s majority stakeholders, Apollo. Given how categorically Red Bull dismissed the recent speculation surrounding Klopp, they may prove equally taken aback by these claims from Spain.
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, dismissed the recent speculation by stating: « This is total nonsense and completely unfounded.
« On the contrary, we are extremely satisfied with Jürgen Klopp’s work. We are convinced that he is the right man for this job. That’s where we are putting our full focus and our energy. »
When Klopp announced his departure from Anfield in 2024, he maintained he would never manage another English side. Yet he remained silent on the possibility of taking charge of another European club.
Following Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid exit, the German was swiftly linked with a switch to the Bernabeu. The Premier League champion was also identified as a possible candidate for the Germany national team position, should current manager Julian Nagelsmann depart after the World Cup.
During a September interview with The Athletic, Klopp emphasised he was relishing the newfound freedom away from football, highlighting the pleasure he has gotten from attending weddings and visiting the cinema. Nevertheless, he appeared to leave the door slightly open regarding a managerial comeback.
When questioned whether he is certain about not wanting to coach again, he responded: « That’s what I think. But you don’t know. I’m 58. If I started again at 65, everybody will say, ‘You said you’ll never do it again!’ Er, sorry, I thought 100 per cent (when I said it)! That is what I think now. I don’t miss anything. »
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