The former Reds boss is in a top capacity at Red Bull, but remains an appealing possibility for large teams.
Legendary former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a surprise comeback to management, which could put him on a collision path with the Reds.
Klopp leaves Anfield at the end of the 2023-24 season to become Red Bull’s Global Head of Football.
Liverpool had weathered Klopp’s departure in style, winning the Premier League title comfortably in Arne Slot’s first season in charge.
The former Mainz and Borussia Dortmund manager also won the title with Liverpool, becoming a fan favourite on Merseyside during his nine-year tenure.
His strategic expertise was appealing to Red Bull, the multi-club ownership juggernaut where Klopp oversees the direction of travel for RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, the New York Red Bulls, and the energy drink giant’s other football operations across the globe.
That expertise has put the former Liverpool manager on the radar of most major teams looking for fresh leadership, and the newest suitor is expected to make a bid soon, according to reports.
Benfica, the Lisbon titans, are currently involved in a presidential election in Portugal.
The candidates vying to succeed incumbent Rui Costa have been laying out their manifestos in an increasingly contentious campaign that current coach Bruno Lage must be watching with concern.
Cristovao Carvalho, a presidential candidate, has pledged a transparent relationship with club partners, a constant pursuit of excellence, and value-creating financial management, as well as the rather punchier promise to kick Lage out at the end of his contract and bring Klopp to Portugal.
“Bruno Lage won’t stay beyond his contract,” Carvalho told SIC Noticias.
“I need a high-level coach who has won the Champions League before and wants to win it again with Benfica.
“The only name that comes to mind is Jurgen Klopp.” He even stated that Benfica is a fantastic club that he would love to coach one day. Someone who says this has a stronger reason for being at the club.”
Could Kop and Klopp clash?
If Klopp does return to manager, the level of roles that will pique his interest suggest that he will eventually come across Liverpool.
Benfica had to beat Nice and Fenerbahce in the qualifying rounds to get there, but they are in the Champions League this season and intend to be there in 2026-27 as well.
They were paired against Chelsea and Newcastle United in this season’s league phase.
xz
