Jurgen Klopp was the immediate favorite for the Real Madrid job after Xabi Alonso parted ways at the start of January. The former Liverpool manager responded to the speculation by downplaying the possibility of arriving at the Estadio Bernabeu this summer.
The 58-year-old hinted that he wouldn't be willing to work under the same circumstances in which Alonso failed to become a success. He said he was happy in his current role as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer.
That hasn't stopped the rumor from intensifying and there have even been claims in Germany that he wants the Madrid job. A new report from Defensa Central has only further fuelled talk that Klopp is set to take over at the Bernabeu.
Klopp takes next step towards Madrid job
It's claimed that Klopp is "very close to coaching Madrid next season" and that he has already "bought a €4m mansion an hour drive from the Bernabeu." Once a player or manager's housing situation is reported, it usually indicates there is merit to a potential transfer or appointment
Klopp ticks all the boxes for Los Blancos given his proven resume of success throughout his managerial career. He took over a struggling Liverpool side and transformed them into European champions aswell as ending their 30-year league title drought.
It's claimed that Klopp has always dreamed of living in Spain, and he has gone on record to say, "I like the atmosphere, the climate, I like the people." He has yet to manage in the country having spent time in his homeland of Germany and in England.
Real Madrid must back Jurgen Klopp
Klopp will want control including in the recruitment department if he is to take over Madrid this summer. His work at Liverpool came as a result of a rebuild in which he worked with the transfer chiefs to sign talent he could develop into world beaters.
The German has an incredible eye for talent and Los Blancos must lean on this. Its why Red Bull appointed him in his current role because he isn't just a coach but one of the best minds in the sport.
If Klopp presents the board with a potential target they should back him if they want to truly kickstart a new era. He likely won't sign a contract with the club unless he gets his way and Florentino Perez can't afford to let a tactician of this caliber pass him by.