Real Madrid is eyeing the recruitment of Jürgen Klopp. With the future of Manager Carlo Ancelotti becoming uncertain, moves to appoint a new leader are accelerating.
German media 'Sport1' reported on the 15th (Korean time), "Real has a greater chance of ending this season without any trophies despite acquiring Kylian Mbappé. Consequently, the future of Coach Carlo Ancelotti is in doubt," and predicted that Klopp could be his successor.
Real is currently in second place in the league, following Barcelona, with a gap of 6 points.
Ancelotti is under contract until 2026.
'Sport1' noted that within Real, Klopp is regarded as the ideal person to resolve the tactical chaos. A source close to President Florentino Pérez stated that Klopp is seen as the only individual who can meet Real's demands because he is viewed as a leader capable of enduring the pressure of wanting to win at all costs.
Klopp, a German national, began his managerial career at Mainz. After three attempts, he elevated Mainz, then in the second division, to the top flight for the first time in the club's 99-year history. However, after being relegated in the 2006-2007 season, he resigned after failing to achieve promotion in the 2007-2008 season.
From 2008, he took charge of Borussia Dortmund, establishing himself as a manager. Klopp led Dortmund to the Bundesliga title in the 2010-2011 season, marking their first championship in nine years. He achieved consecutive league titles in the 2011-2012 season. After winning a total of five trophies, he moved to Liverpool in 2015.
At Liverpool, Klopp reached his peak. Taking over mid-season in 2015-2016, he led the team to victory in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) in the 2018-2019 season. In the 2019-2020 season, he brought Liverpool to the top of the English Premier League (EPL) for the first time in 30 years. He also claimed the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Klopp parted ways with Liverpool after last season. He said, "I am no longer young. This club needs a better manager than me," as he stepped down.
He subsequently rejected all coaching job offers and accepted the position of global football director at Red Bull Football Group.
However, the possibility of Klopp's return to active management is resurfacing. British media 'TBR Football' reported, "Klopp is expected to receive coaching job offers this summer. His name is also being mentioned within Real."
Real's crisis situation has ignited discussions about a change of manager. In La Liga, they are currently in second place, trailing Barcelona, and finished as runners-up in the Supercopa de España. In the Copa del Rey final, they will also face their 'rival' Barcelona, making victory uncertain. In the UCL, they lost the first leg against Arsenal 0-3, putting them at risk of elimination in the quarterfinals.
German media 'Kicker' reported that "the chances of Ancelotti's dismissal have increased significantly following the defeat to Arsenal. While Xabi Alonso was mentioned as a potential successor, it seems they have shifted their focus to Klopp due to Bayer Leverkusen's struggles."
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