On March 31, 2025, rumors about Jürgen Klopp as a possible coach of Real Madrid have gained strength in recent weeks, especially after media reports such as TBR Football and viral publications in X. According to these sources, Real Madrid would be considering Klopp as a candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti, whose future in the club is uncertain. Ancelotti, who renewed his contract until 2026, has faced criticism this season due to the team’s ups and downs, especially in the UEFA Champions League, where Madrid is at the 16th stage of the group stage, although he leads LaLiga with 46 points. The possibility of Ancelotti leaving the club at the end of the season, or even before, has opened the door to speculation about his successor.
Klopp, who left Liverpool in May 2024 after almost nine years, currently holds the position of Director of Global Football in Red Bull, a strategic role that does not imply training directly. However, his prestige as one of the best coaches in the world, with titles like the Premier League 2019/20 and the Champions League 2018/19 with Liverpool, makes him an attractive candidate for Real Madrid. In addition, it is said that the Brazilian Confederation of Football and the selection of the United States are also interested in it, although Klopp has made it clear that it is not in a hurry to return to the benches, admitting that it felt “without energy” when leaving Liverpool.
In X, the topic has unleashed a rather intense debate. There are those who see Klopp as the impulse that Madrid needs to start a new era, while others wonder whether it would really fit into a club with a football and media culture so different from that of their previous projects. For example, it has been pointed out that its high-intensity game style might not align with the immediate expectations of success of Madrid, where patience to develop long-term projects is quite limited. Although X reflects both enthusiasm and skepticism, it is important to remember that these rumors are not confirmed and must be taken with caution.
How would Jürgen Klopp fit into Real Madrid?
Klopp is famous for its high intensity game style, which is based on the “gegenpressing” (press immediately after losing the ball), fast transitions and an offensive approach that prioritizes the vertical game. This method has yielded good results in Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, but Real Madrid is a different scenario: it has a team full of stars, a great media pressure and a football tradition that focuses more on control and possession, especially under the direction of Ancelotti.
Potential Tactical Scheme
Klopp has historically used a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 with emphasis on high pressure and intensity. Based on the current template of Real Madrid (March 2025), which includes players such as Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger and Thibaut Courtois, we could imagine how your system would fit:
- Porter: Thibaut Courtois would remain the undisputed holder. Klopp values the goalkeepers participating in the balloon exit, and Courtois, with its experience and quality, would fit well.
- Defence: Klopp usually uses a four-line. Dani Carvajal (or a possible score like Trent Alexander-Arnold, which has been linked to Madrid) would be the right side, with its ability to join the attack. In the center, Rüdiger and Éder Militão (or David Alaba, if recovered) would form a solid couple, capable of handling the high pressure required by Klopp. On the left, Ferland Mendy or Fran García would have to adapt to a more offensive role, as Klopp asks its sides to climb constantly.
- Middle Field: Here Klopp could be decided by a double pivot or a half-field of three. Tchouaméni and Camavinga would be perfect as mediocentros, thanks to their ability to recover balls and join the attack. If you opt for a 4-3-3, Federico Valverde could perform as a right interior, providing both arrival and defensive work. Jude Bellingham, with its versatility, would fit well as a more advanced “8” or even as a media point in a 4-2-3-1, taking advantage of its ability to press and reach the area.
- Attack: In a 4-3-3 scheme, Vinícius Jr. would occupy the left band, Mbappé would be the center front and Rodrygo would position himself in the right band. Klopp could ask Mbappé to assume a more physical role, engaging in high pressure, something that the French has not always done in the PSG or in Madrid under the direction of Ancelotti. Vinícius, with his speed and ability to one against one, would adapt perfectly to the rapid transitions proposed by Klopp. Rodrygo, being more tactical, could alternate with young talents like Endrick or Arda Güler.
Adaptation to Real Madrid Style
The great challenge for Klopp would be to adjust his style to Real Madrid’s DNA. Historically, the white club has prioritized a football based on possession and control, something we’ve seen with trainers like Ancelotti or Zinedine Zidane. The intensity that Klopp brings could be a breath of fresh air, although it also carries certain risks: players such as Luka Modric (if you are still on the team) or Toni Kroos (before retirement) might not fit completely with their philosophy due to their age and their most paused style. However, the current template, with young and physical like Bellingham, Valverde, Camavinga and Mbappé, seems to be perfect for your system.
Another point to consider is how the wardrobe is handled. Klopp is famous for its ability to motivate and foster a good team environment, but Madrid has a costume full of egos and stars. Your charisma could be fundamental to managing players such as Mbappé or Vinícius, although there is also a risk that tensions arise if it does not establish its authority from the beginning.
Past Klopp statements on Real Madrid
Klopp has mentioned Real Madrid on several occasions during his career, expressing his admiration, but it has also made clear that his way of working does not always align with what a club of this kind requires. Here I share some of your most relevant statements:
- In 2022, just before an exciting Champions League match between Liverpool and Real Madrid, Klopp commented: “The Real Madrid is an amazing club, with a history and tradition that really impress. I love its style, but my focus is different. I need time to build a team, and in Madrid, expectations are immediate.” This statement clearly shows its inclination to long-term projects, which could conflict with the culture of rapid results that characterizes Madrid.
- In 2016, during an interview in Quora, Klopp shared his admiration for Madrid, but also mentioned that “it is not a club that needs a reconstruction, and I am a coach who enjoys that process.” This indicates that, although he has great respect for Madrid, he did not consider it a natural step in his career at that time.
- Recently, in 2024, after his passage through Liverpool, Klopp commented: “I do not dismiss the possibility of retraining, but at this time I need a time to recharge energies. I have no idea where I will be in five years.” Although he did not refer directly to Madrid, this statement reveals the possibility of a return to the bench, which has fueled the rumors currently circulating.
Extended Analysis
Klopp could bring a tactical revolution to Real Madrid, implementing a more intense and direct style that contrasts with the most paused approach of Ancelotti. Your 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 would fit well with the current template, especially with young and physical players who can adapt to your “gegenpressing”. However, there are several challenges:
- Media Pressure and Expectations: Real Madrid demands immediate titles, and Klopp has needed time in his previous projects (Dortmund and Liverpool) to achieve success. The fans and the Madrid press could be implacable if the results do not arrive quickly.
- Adaptation to the Spanish Football: LaLiga has a rhythm different from that of the Premier League or the Bundesliga, with more emphasis on possession and tactics. Klopp would have to adjust his style to not be so predictable, especially against teams that close behind, something Madrid often faces.
- Star management: Klopp has handled players such as Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mané well, but Madrid has a wardrobe with more egos and a different power structure. Your ability to impose your philosophy will be key.
On the other hand, Klopp has the potential to give a new air to the team. His charisma and ability to connect with both the players and the fans could make it a true idol in the Bernabéu. In addition, his experience in European competitions, having reached three Champions League finals with Liverpool and winning one, makes it the perfect choice for a club that lives and breathes the Champions League.
Conclusion
Rumors about Jürgen Klopp as the next coach of Real Madrid are generating a lot of interest, although there is still nothing confirmed. His energetic playing style and ability to manage young templates make him an attractive candidate. In addition, the current Madrid staff has players who could adapt perfectly to their 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 training. However, it should be considered that their adaptation to Spanish football, media pressure and the management of a star-filled wardrobe would represent great challenges. Klopp’s previous statements reflect his admiration for Madrid, but also a certain reluctance to join a club that does not need a reconstruction. For now, the question “Klopp al Real Madrid?” continues in the air, but without a doubt, it would be a movement that could change the panorama of European football.
