Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was Real Madrid’s first choice to replace manager Zinedine Zidane this summer, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
The newspaper claims that despite reports linking the Champions League holders with Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, the Anfield incumbent was actually their number one target.
The job was eventually given to then-Spain chief Julien Lopetegui, after Madrid discovered that Klopp could not be prised away from Merseyside.
Lopetegui has since come under intense pressure at the Santiago Bernabeu after the team’s poor start to the season, while Klopp’s Reds side remain unbeaten in the Premier League this term.
OPINION
This is a remarkable story considering that there was no real mention of Madrid’s interest in Klopp this summer. All the talk was of the club going after Pochettino, and then the surprise move for Lopetegui of course. The German’s name was never really mentioned, but according to Mundo Deportivo he was Madrid’s number one choice to replace Zidane. It makes sense when you think about it. Klopp’s attack-heavy style of football would have been an instant hit with the club’s demanding supporters, while he has demonstrated at both Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool that he is able to improve player performances. The Spanish giants will have had a close look at him in the team’s victory over the Reds in the Champions League final last May, too. It’s great news for Liverpool that they were able to keep hold of their manager despite Madrid’s overtures – there aren’t many teams who can say that.
