Enrique Riquelme, a candidate for the presidency of Real Madrid, has outlined his plan to appoint Jurgen Klopp as the club’s new manager if he secures victory in Sunday’s election. In a statement released on Friday, Riquelme expressed confidence in his ability to entice Klopp back to management, highlighting that he considers the opportunity presented by Real Madrid to be unique.
As Riquelme prepares to challenge incumbent president Florentino Perez, he has announced that his selected sporting director, former Madrid striker Raul González, would reach out to Klopp the day after the election. Klopp, who has not managed since leaving Liverpool in 2024, has been explicit about his current disinterest in taking on new coaching roles, a fact acknowledged by Riquelme in his remarks.
Strategic Vision for Real Madrid
Despite Klopp’s stated intentions, Riquelme believes that the allure of Real Madrid transcends standard considerations. “There are great clubs, but there is only one Real Madrid,” he noted, emphasizing the club’s rich heritage and prospects for the future. Riquelme argued that this represents a compelling project that draws upon tradition, ambition, and excellence.
“If the squad trusts me this Sunday, Raul will contact Jurgen Klopp on Monday to present our sporting project and express our desire for him to lead Real Madrid into a new era,” Riquelme stated. He underscored Klopp’s credentials as one of the finest managers of the contemporary era and a leader capable of reinstating the competitive ethos and professionalism that have historically defined the club.
Reactions from Klopp’s Camp
However, Klopp’s agent, Marc Kosicke, swiftly responded to Riquelme’s claims, affirming that the manager is content in his current role with Red Bull and is not considering a coaching position at Real Madrid. He expressed frustration at the speculation, stating, “It’s annoying! Jurgen Klopp is happy with his role at Red Bull and has no ambitions to work as a coach at the club.”
Electoral Promises Stir Controversy
Riquelme’s promise to approach Klopp follows a week of intensified campaigning, wherein both he and Perez sought to sway club members with ambitious proposals. Riquelme previously indicated that Raul would serve as sporting director while advising former Spain manager Vicente del Bosque. His remarks about potentially signing Manchester City midfielder Rodri and striker Erling Haaland have drawn ire from Premier League clubs, which are considering legal action against Riquelme for allegedly misusing Haaland’s image.
Perez’s Counterproposal
Meanwhile, incumbent president Florentino Perez has made his own commitments, disclosing that if re-elected, Jose Mourinho will become the team’s new manager. To facilitate this transition, Perez indicated that Real Madrid would need to pay a 15 million euro termination fee to Benfica. He has also mentioned potential contracts for players such as Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries, along with plans to offer €150 million to one of football’s superstars if he remains in office, although he did not disclose which player is in consideration.
A Pivotal Election for Real Madrid
This upcoming vote marks a significant moment for Real Madrid, being the first contested presidential election in two decades. The decision comes after the club has faced two consecutive seasons without securing a major trophy under Perez, who has presided over the club for 23 of the last 26 years. Riquelme, at just 37, a renewable energy entrepreneur, has emerged as Perez’s only challenger as the election was hastily announced in the wake of allegations of a smear campaign against him and the club.
