Jurgen Klopp has been told to avoid a move to Real Madrid as the Spanish side attempt to find their next manager. Real have already made one change in the dugout this season, Xabi Alonso having been replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa.
They are expected to pursue another change this summer after what has been a disappointing season. Former Liverpool boss Klopp has regularly been linked with a potential move to the Bernabeu since leaving Anfield.
Former Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn has offered his thoughts and believes the German should steer well clear. Speaking to Marca, he said: “I don’t know if I’d do that if I were Jurgen Klopp.
“Do Real Madrid and Jurgen Klopp fit together? If we analyze it more deeply, Jurgen is one of those who likes to develop, to build.”
He added: “What’s more, he works with a defined system. Real Madrid is something completely different. Real Madrid is a collection of individuals, a group of superstars who categorically refuse to have any concept imposed on them.
“We saw it with Xabi Alonso. It’s about whether, as a manager, you have the respect, can connect with the players, can manage the big stars and can convince them of the system you intend to implement.”
Klopp has spoken out on the Real Madrid job this season and suggested that the role is potentially harder than some realise. Speaking after Alonso was sacked, he said: “It actually has (been ringing) - though not from Madrid. But yes, there were definitely a few people who felt they had to contact me directly about it!
“First of all, I think it’s another sign that something isn’t quite right there at the moment. If Xabi Alonso, who over the last two years in Leverkusen has shown what an outstanding coaching talent he is – and I think at his age and with the number of jobs he’s had, you can say that — is then forced to leave Madrid just six months later, it shows a few things.
“On the one hand, it shows that nowadays there’s no time anymore. On the other, the expectations at Real Madrid are obviously enormous. To make a decision like that in the heat of the moment, after losing a cup final to Barcelona yesterday, says a lot.”
Away from Klopp, Real chief Florentino Perez appears to have a preferred option in mind. According to reports, Jose Mourinho is being targeted for a return to the club despite being contracted to Benfica.