2026-03-25 15:09:30

Jürgen Klopp has angrily dismissed speculation linking him with a return to management.

Insisting reports connecting him to Real Madrid are “just nonsense”, he is now preparing to take on a new role as a World Cup pundit.

Klopp, 58, who left Liverpool in 2024 after nearly a decade in charge, has been announced as a football expert on Germany’s Magenta TV for this summer’s tournament.

He will appear alongside Thomas Müller and Mats Hummels, with the trio presenting coverage during the competition. Klopp, who is currently working as Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull, advising clubs including RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and New York Red Bulls, faced questions about his future during a press conference following the announcement, including renewed speculation about a possible return to management.

A clearly irritated Klopp said: “What does the situation have to be? That Real Madrid called me at some point and said, ‘Florentino Perez on the phone! Jurgen, how are things?’

“Or is it enough if (Australian media outlet) OE24 – no idea whether that’s AI or written by people – writes some rubbish? That annoys me. You need to show a bit of discipline there. It’s all just nonsense.

“‘I’ll take over at Atletico Madrid as well, preferably at the same time. Sorry Madrid, you’ll have to ring first’.

“The same idiots wrote that – the Salzburger Nachrichten.

“The reporter from the Salzburger Nachrichten hasn’t got a clue. And everyone’s jumping on the bandwagon there too.”

Klopp had initially appeared relaxed when asked about links to the Germany national team, rejecting suggestions he was considering taking over.

However, his tone changed when questioned about reported interest from Real Madrid, which he said had “not a single time” made contact with him.

His current position with Red Bull sees him overseeing football operations and advising multiple clubs across Europe and the United States.

Despite persistent speculation, Klopp has previously indicated he may not return to coaching, focusing instead on his off-field role and upcoming media commitments.

The punditry role with Magenta TV marks his first major broadcasting position since leaving Liverpool, where he won multiple honours during his tenure, including a range of domestic and European titles.

Visit Bang Premier (main website)