What was supposed to be a discussion about his role as a TV pundit quickly escalated into a furious outburst from Jürgen Klopp, as he was pressed on rumors concerning Real Madrid and a potential departure from Red Bull.
During a media event on Monday, Klopp, alongside Thomas Müller and Mats Hummels, was introduced as a World Cup analyst. A subsequent press conference saw the first question directed at Klopp regarding his interest in becoming the future German national team coach. «Right out of the gate,» he replied with a laugh. «At the moment, I’m not thinking about that at all. Who knows what might come in the next few years, but nothing is planned in that regard.»
The successful former coach of Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool has frequently been linked with the national team coaching position in the past, consistently denying the speculation. From early 2025, Klopp is set to begin working as Global Sports Director for Red Bull, overseeing its numerous branches, including those in Salzburg and Leipzig. He is contracted until 2029, while Julian Nagelsmann’s current contract as national team coach with the DFB extends until 2028.
Jürgen Klopp Fires Back at Real Madrid Rumors
Klopp stated he could «somewhat understand» persistent inquiries about a potential future as national team coach – but his reaction was vastly different when confronted with rumors of an imminent departure from Red Bull and a possible move to Real Madrid.
«It’s good that we’re talking about this,» Klopp began, launching into a furious and principled rant. «When does a piece of news become news? When someone takes a piece of paper and writes something on it? Or when there’s actually something to it? What must the situation be? That Real Madrid called me at some point and said, ‘Florentino Perez on the phone! Jürgen, how does it look?’ Or is it enough if some outlet – I don’t know if it’s AI or actual people – writes some rubbish? That annoys me.»
The context: Following Xabi Alonso’s departure earlier this year, Klopp was rumored as a successor candidate for Real Madrid. This was reported by various media, including a renowned Spanish journalist. However, Klopp specifically singled out a highly sensationalist Austrian online platform (`OE24`), which had picked up and further disseminated these reports, though it remained unclear why he specifically mentioned that particular outlet.
Addressing the reporters present on Monday, Klopp stated, «You need to show a bit of discipline there. It’s all just nonsense.» He asserted that Real Madrid had «never called him, not once» in his entire life. Sardonically, he added, «I’ll take over Atletico Madrid too, simultaneously, that would be best. Sorry Madrid, first they have to call!»
Jürgen Klopp Rages: ‘That Colleague Has No Idea What He’s Talking About’
With the DFB and Real Madrid topics addressed, Klopp was finally questioned about rumors concerning an imminent departure from Red Bull. «The same idiots wrote that: `Salzburger Nachrichten`,» Klopp retorted, now visibly enraged. «That colleague from the `Salzburger Nachrichten` has absolutely no idea. And everyone latches onto that too.»
Indeed, the `Salzburger Nachrichten` had spread the rumor of a Red Bull exit at the end of February. However, this newspaper has no connection to the online platform previously mentioned; quite the opposite. The `Salzburger Nachrichten` is considered a reputable quality medium, which also shares a contentious history with Klopp.
In June 2024, the `Salzburger Nachrichten` was the first medium to report on Klopp’s impending move to Red Bull. At the time, Klopp’s agent, Marc Kosicke, dismissed the rumor as «total nonsense» – yet in October, Klopp indeed signed with Red Bull.
Jürgen Klopp’s Career Milestones
| Period | Club | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 to 2008 | FSV Mainz 05 | Manager |
| 2008 to 2015 | Borussia Dortmund | Manager |
| 2015 to 2024 | FC Liverpool | Manager |
| since 2025 | Red Bull | Global Sports Director |