Rejecting Real, Jurgen Klopp wants to lead the four-time world champion team

Coach Jurgen Klopp is reportedly ready to return to the managerial bench, but surprisingly not at Real Madrid.

According to journalist Jose Felix Diaz of Diario AS, Jurgen Klopp is still considering the possibility of returning to coaching. Despite Real Madrid's special interest, Klopp's priority leans towards the German national team, where he views leading the national team as the biggest goal in his career. Currently, Julian Nagelsmann remains in charge, but the results at the 2026 World Cup could directly affect his future, thereby opening an opportunity for Klopp.

Since the 2014 championship, the German national team has consistently disappointed by being eliminated in the group stage of the two most recent World Cups. Pressure therefore weighs heavily on Nagelsmann, forcing him to achieve sufficiently good results if he wants to keep his position. In this context, the Klopp option becomes increasingly attractive, as he is an experienced coach who could help Germany, a team that has won the World Cup four times, regain its former status.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid is also facing a crucial turning point. After being eliminated from the 2025/26 Champions League, the Royal club is reportedly decided to part ways with Alvaro Arbeloa at the end of the season. Klopp quickly became a priority candidate for the head coach position in the 2026/27 season, but this deal is not easy.

Currently serving as Global Football Director for Red Bull, Klopp is said to be satisfied with his current job, as he has more time for his personal life. Nevertheless, Real Madrid has not abandoned the idea, but they want Klopp himself to proactively approach them first. This inadvertently increases the distance between both sides, while also bringing him closer to the possibility of leading the German national team.

Internally at Real Madrid, the situation is not entirely supportive of the change. Many players reportedly want Arbeloa to continue, but according to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, only a miracle would help him keep his position, as the leadership believes the current squad's potential is not fully exploited. Therefore, even though Klopp is the top target, the club must still prepare backup plans.

Also according to El Mundo, Real Madrid has already prepared a shortlist with criteria focusing on experience and locker room management ability. Lionel Scaloni is a prominent name as his contract extends until December 2026. Additionally, Didier Deschamps, Mauricio Pochettino, and Jose Mourinho are also under consideration, showing the Royal club is preparing thoroughly for a landmark decision.