Jurgen Klopp continues to be mentioned in connection with a return to football management, even though he has previously stated he has no plans to take on another coaching role.
The German enjoyed tremendous success during his time at Liverpool and had earlier transformed Borussia Dortmund into a European force.
Klopp’s name has recently surfaced as a possible option for Tottenham Hotspur, with current head coach Thomas Frank facing intense pressure over his future at the club.
Frank is expected to remain in charge for the upcoming clash against West Ham, which could prove decisive for his job, but it is hard to imagine him surviving much longer if results do not improve.
Despite the speculation, a move to Tottenham now appears highly unlikely for Klopp, even if there was once a slim possibility.
Klopp emerges as Real Madrid contender
Klopp is currently employed as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer, a role that sees him oversee the company’s network of football clubs worldwide.
Recent reports suggested Klopp may be dissatisfied in that position, sparking talk that clubs such as Tottenham could try to tempt him back into management. However, bookmakers have quickly cooled Spurs-related speculation, with Klopp’s odds of becoming Tottenham manager drifting from 6/1 to 12/1 in just 24 hours.
This shift is largely due to Klopp being tipped as a leading candidate to succeed Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, following the Spaniard’s shock departure announcement on Monday.
Klopp is now joint-favourite with Roberto De Zerbi, while Ruben Amorim (10/1) and Enzo Maresca (8/1) are also among the contenders.
Ironically, Alonso himself has become the new frontrunner for the Tottenham job now that he is available — a potential appointment many Spurs supporters would embrace.
Klopp’s stance on returning to management
Klopp was asked this week about the possibility of returning to elite management, including the Real Madrid vacancy. Speaking to Austrian broadcaster Servus TV, he played down the idea.
“This has nothing to do with me and doesn’t affect me at all,” Klopp said. “Coaching roles are always changing, and it’s fine to watch from the outside without worrying about what it might mean for you personally. Where I am right now is the right place for me.”
Next Tottenham manager odds
Xabi Alonso – 4/1
Oliver Glasner – 5/1
Marco Silva – 6/1
Enzo Maresca – 8/1
Ruben Amorim – 10/1
Roberto De Zerbi – 12/1
Jurgen Klopp – 12/1
Based on Klopp’s comments, it appears he remains committed to staying out of frontline management for the foreseeable future.
He has also previously insisted that Liverpool would be the only English club he would ever manage, which effectively removes Tottenham from contention.
In a twist of fate, the man Klopp is tipped to replace at Real Madrid — Xabi Alonso — may actually be the most realistic and appealing option for Spurs.
