Riquelme Promises Klopp Appointment if Elected as Real Madrid President
Enrique Riquelme, a candidate for the presidency of Real Madrid, has confirmed his intention to appoint Jurgen Klopp as the club’s manager if he wins the election on Sunday. Riquelme is set to compete against current president Florentino Perez, who has a stronghold on the club.
Should Riquelme be successful, he has expressed his desire to challenge Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Rodri. Following these statements, Manchester City may pursue legal action concerning Haaland’s image rights.
Riquelme’s Vision for Team Management
In addition to his ambitions for the managerial position, Riquelme aims to bring club legend Raul back into the fold as sporting director. Currently, Real Madrid does not have a sporting director, and Raul previously coached the club’s B team until last year.
While Raul has not formally endorsed Klopp, Riquelme insists that the former Liverpool manager would be a groundbreaking choice. Riquelme acknowledges Klopp’s previous reluctance to take on a new managerial role, citing his stated preference to avoid immediate returns to coaching.
Perez’s Counteroffer and Promises
Meanwhile, Perez has made it clear that, if he is re-elected, Jose Mourinho will be reinstated as Real Madrid’s manager. Benfica has confirmed that Mourinho will step down from his position if Perez wins the election.
In addition to managerial changes, Perez has announced plans to sign defenders Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate, contingent on his continuation as president. He has also pledged to allocate €150 million (approximately £129.6 million) to attract top talent from across Europe, with rumors suggesting that Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise is a prime target.
Riquelme’s Promises Spark Controversy
During a recent appearance on the Spanish television show El Hormiguero, Riquelme controversially stated that Haaland has a release clause in his contract and is interested in signing with Real Madrid. He publicly showcased a Real Madrid jersey bearing Haaland’s name, further fueling speculation.
In response, Manchester City swiftly denied these claims, emphasizing that there is “no chance” of Haaland leaving the club anytime soon, while also evaluating legal action regarding the use of player imagery without consent.
Kloop’s Current Role and Future Prospects
As for Klopp, he has not returned to club management since departing Liverpool in the summer of 2024. Currently, he serves as the Head of Global Football for Red Bull’s Sports Group, a role he has occupied since January 2025. Despite previously declaring that he was “done” with management, the notion of a return to club football remains open.
While he officially rebuffed early-year reports linking him to Real Madrid, Klopp conveyed that he would consider a managerial opportunity if it arose. His recent comments suggest that he is still engaged in the football community, leaving the door ajar for potential future positions.
