Real Madrid Want Jürgen Klopp As Dream Manager As Florentino Pérez Makes His Move

Real Madrid’s managerial landscape has erupted into shockwaves across the football world following the sudden departure of Xabi Alonso. As Los Blancos seek to rebuild their identity and reclaim European dominance. 

Reports now suggest that Jürgen Klopp is not just a candidate but the dream managerial target for president Florentino Pérez ahead of the 2026/27 season. According to respected football journalist Santi Aouna, Real Madrid highly appreciates Klopp’s pedigree and views him as the ultimate coach to steer the club back to glory. 

While Klopp sits at the pinnacle of Madrid’s wish list, another name, Enzo Maresca, also garners internal admiration as a realistic alternative if the German ultimately declines. This managerial tug-of-war between pedigree and promise encapsulates Madrid’s dilemma in shaping their future on and off the pitch. Here’s a deep dive into what this could mean for Real Madrid, why Klopp excites them, and how Maresca fits into the bigger picture.

Why Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez Dreams Of Klopp

Jürgen Klopp’s legendary status in modern football needs little introduction. As the long-time Liverpool manager, the German mastermind revived the club’s fortunes by delivering breakthrough silverware. 

Culminating in Premier League and Champions League triumphs that etched his name among the sport’s elite. His departure from Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season was emotional for fans but seemed like the right choice for a manager who had given everything. 

Since stepping away from day-to-day coaching, Klopp has taken up the position of Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH. A role that keeps him influential within elite football but removed from the touchline. 

Reports emerging in January 2026 reveal that Real Madrid’s board and Pérez personally hold him in exceptionally high regard, branding him the dream target to succeed Xabi Alonso full-time. 

Madrid’s interest is not just casual. Club directors view Klopp’s intense, high-pressing style and charismatic leadership as the kind of transformative force capable of rejuvenating a squad that has lacked consistent identity this season. 

Sky Germany sources even suggest that Klopp would seriously consider the Madrid job, despite his ongoing commitments with Red Bull. Should a formal approach arrive from the Spanish giants? 

That speaks volumes about the esteem in which he is held by one of football’s most demanding institutions. Real Madrid’s recent failures have only underscored why Pérez would covet someone like Klopp. The Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona and inconsistent LaLiga performances under Alonso highlighted tactical and motivational deficiencies. Madrid’s hierarchy believe a figure of Klopp’s stature could cure. 

Klopp’s Stance And Reality Check On The Rumours

Despite the buzz, it is crucial to separate hopeful speculation from hard reality. Klopp has addressed the swirling Madrid rumours in recent media appearances, and while he didn’t rule out the possibility entirely. 

His comments reflected a measured distance from the idea of a Bernabéu return. He acknowledged that his phone had indeed been buzzing with enquiries about the Madrid vacancy but stopped short of committing to a managerial comeback. 

More notably, Red Bull’s top leadership, including Oliver Mintzlaff, have publicly distanced the club from rumours that Klopp would leave his executive role for Real Madrid at this stage. Sources within German media reiterate that Klopp is very happy in his current position. For now, returning to the cut-and-thrust of coaching might not align with his professional priorities. 

This creates a realistic tension: Madrid wants Klopp, and Klopp’s legend resonates globally, but his current career trajectory is outside the day-to-day dugout. Pérez will need to sell a compelling vision, one that aligns with Klopp’s aspirations, if the dream is to materialise.

Inside The Enzo Maresca Plan As A Smart Alternative

While Klopp towers as the headliner, Real Madrid’s internal discussions are also giving significant weight to another promising manager. Enzo Maresca. The Italian coach, who most recently managed Chelsea before parting ways on New Year’s Day 2026, represents a more attainable yet still high-potential option for Madrid’s long-term project. 

Maresca might lack the legendary aura of Klopp, but his managerial philosophy and young coaching pedigree have earned him respect in elite circles. Some betting markets even list Maresca as the early favourite to succeed Alonso permanently. It illustrates how seriously his candidacy is being taken in managerial markets across Europe. 

His tactical nous, player development credentials, and relatively modern but disciplined approach could appeal to a Madrid side in transition. If Klopp ultimately decides to remain in his executive role or pursue another coaching path, Maresca fits the profile of a manager who could blend continuity with fresh ideas.

What This Means For Real Madrid’s Immediate Future

Real Madrid’s coaching carousel reflects both urgency and opportunity. The club’s official announcement that they and Xabi Alonso have mutually parted ways sent shockwaves through LaLiga. 

It made it clear that Los Blancos are unwilling to settle for stagnation. Alonso’s exit came after a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, leaving the team with questions over direction, leadership and tactical clarity. 

In the interim, Álvaro Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid defender and current Castilla coach, has stepped in to stabilize things. However, Madrid’s leadership is already pivoting to long-term solutions, and that’s where the excitement around Klopp and Maresca intensifies. 

A Klopp appointment would be seismic. It would signal Madrid’s intent not only to compete domestically but to aggressively chase Champions League glory with an identity, energy and tactical philosophy. 

It is often seen as lacking over recent campaigns. A Maresca appointment would underline a strategic pivot toward disciplined modern management with a long runway for growth. Either way, Real Madrid’s next managerial choice will define the club’s trajectory for years to come. 

Whether Pérez can convince Klopp to take on this historic challenge or will pivot to the young Italian tactician. This managerial saga promises drama, debate, and a dramatic reshaping of one of football’s most iconic clubs.