Klopp denounces Real Madrid job, French forward leaves Madrid

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has dismissed reports linking him with a managerial move to Real Madrid as “nonsense,” insisting there has been no contact from the Spanish giants. 

The 58-year-old, who stepped down from Liverpool at the end of the 2023–24 season, said neither he nor his agent has received any approach, despite speculation he could replace Alvaro Arbeloa.

Klopp, now working as head of global football for Red Bull, explained he is not currently planning a return to management but has not ruled it out entirely. 

Speaking in Munich, he said he still feels capable of coaching in the future, even if nothing is imminent, adding that he has not yet reached a point where he considers his managerial career finished.

The German left Liverpool citing a lack of energy after a highly successful spell that included winning the UEFA Champions League in 2019 and delivering the club’s first league title in 30 years the following season. 

During his tenure, he also secured domestic cups and international trophies, cementing his legacy as one of the club’s most influential modern managers.

Despite ongoing speculation about his next move, Klopp reiterated a firm stance on his future in England, stating he would never manage another Premier League club out of loyalty to Liverpool.

His previous managerial experience includes successful spells at Borussia Dortmund and Mainz 05, where he won back-to-back Bundesliga titles with Dortmund.

Meanwhile, in a separate major transfer development, Antoine Griezmann is set to leave Atletico Madrid to join Major League Soccer side Orlando City this summer. 

The 35-year-old forward, Atletico’s all-time leading scorer, will make the move to Florida in July on a deal that could keep him at the club until 2029.

Griezmann, who retired from international football in 2024 after winning the FIFA World Cup in 2018 with France, said he was excited by Orlando’s ambition and vision. 

Having scored more than 200 goals for Atletico and nearing 300 club goals overall, including spells at Barcelona and Real Sociedad, his move marks the latest high-profile move to MLS as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.