Klopp linked with shock move that could test Liverpool legacy

January 5, 2026 Oliver Obel

Jurgen Klopp’s name has re-entered the managerial conversation at Europe’s top clubs, reigniting debate over a possible return to the dugout that would inevitably test his standing among Liverpool supporters.

The former Liverpool manager has remained out of frontline coaching since leaving Anfield, where he presided over one of the most successful periods in the club’s modern history. Any comeback, particularly in England, would carry both sporting intrigue and emotional consequence.

A decorated exit

Klopp stepped down at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season after delivering Liverpool’s first Premier League title and a Champions League triumph, achievements that firmly cemented his place in the club’s history.

Rather than moving directly into another managerial role, Klopp chose a different path. In January 2025, he accepted a senior executive position as head of global soccer at the Red Bull Group, overseeing the company’s multi-club football operations.

Despite that long-term appointment, speculation has persisted. British and Spanish media have reported that Real Madrid are monitoring Klopp’s situation should they opt to move on from head coach Xabi Alonso, placing his name among contingency options at the Bernabéu.

Chelsea speculation

Klopp has also been mentioned in connection with Chelsea following the departure of Enzo Maresca, although the idea of him taking charge at Stamford Bridge would be highly contentious given his deep association with Liverpool.

Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole described Klopp as his “dream” appointment in comments to Paddy Power, while acknowledging how unlikely the scenario may be.

“I know it’s a mental one but Jurgen Klopp, I know he probably won’t even consider it because it’s Chelsea and he’s Liverpool, but you just never know,” Cole said.

“If your main aim as a football club is to win trophies and you have the money, you go and speak to the top, top boys. I know it seems like it’s pie in the sky, but if you don’t have that mindset then you’re always banking on developing the next best manager, which they thought they were doing with Enzo Maresca.”

Reality check

Any move to Chelsea would likely be met with strong resistance from Liverpool fans, given the sustained rivalry between the two clubs across Premier League and Champions League competition during Klopp’s tenure.

However, such speculation appears to be more theoretical than practical. The Telegraph has reported that Chelsea are not planning to pursue a high-profile managerial figure, effectively ruling out a move for Klopp despite his pedigree.

Instead, the club is believed to be progressing talks to appoint Liam Rosenior, currently head coach of Strasbourg. Rosenior joined the Ligue 1 side in July 2024 and works under the same ownership group as Chelsea, aligning more closely with the club’s data-driven, development-focused recruitment strategy.

In that context, Klopp’s name may continue to surface in discussion, but a return to English club management — particularly at Chelsea — remains improbable.

Sources: The Telegraph, Paddy Power