Jurgen Klopp’s agent Marc Kosicke dismissed Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme’s pledge to pursue the former Liverpool manager as his managerial target, saying the 58-year-old has no interest in returning to club football.
Riquelme, who faces incumbent Florentino Perez in Sunday’s election, the first contested vote at the club in 20 years, named Klopp as his preferred manager. He said that if he won, Raúl Gonzalez Blanco would contact Klopp on Monday.
Kosicke moved quickly to close the matter down. “It’s annoying! Jürgen Klopp is happy in his role at Red Bull and has no ambitions to work as a coach at a club,” he told Sky Sport Germany.
Klopp has worked as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer since 1 January, overseeing RB Leipzig, Red Bull Bragantino, New York Red Bulls, RB Omiya Ardija, Leeds United and Paris FC. His contract runs until December 2029. He previously turned down the Germany national team job after leaving Liverpool.
Riquelme’s week already took a blow when Manchester City threatened legal action after he pledged to sign Erling Haaland and held up a shirt with Haaland’s name during a media appearance. He also promised to pursue City midfielder Rodri.
Perez, meanwhile, confirmed Jose Mourinho will become manager if he wins re-election, a deal contingent on the incumbent keeping his position. Perez called the elections earlier this month after two consecutive seasons without a major trophy.
Klopp managed Liverpool in 489 matches from 2015 to June 2024, averaging 2.07 points per game. He won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, two EFL Cups, the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup and the Community Shield at Anfield. Before Liverpool, he led Borussia Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles and the DFB-Pokal across seven seasons.
Liverpool have since parted ways with Arne Slot, who won the league in his first season, and appointed former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola for 2026-27.
