Klopp could leave Liverpool with German ‘No 1 target’ for new job

Klopp admits past successes have helped him keep Liverpool job

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is reportedly the No 1 target for Real Madrid if the Spanish giants sack Carlo Ancelotti. Klopp is apparently the ‘priority’ for the La Liga outfit, who want to take advantage of the German’s precarious situation at Anfield. 

Reports in France suggest that formal exchanges have already taken place between Madrid and representatives of Klopp. Supposedly gleaned from those discussions is the fact that Klopp understands his job at Liverpool is becoming ‘very fragile’. 

The Reds were thrashed 4-1 by Manchester City on Saturday. The result leaves Klopp’s side eighth in the Premier League and eight points off the Champions League places. 

Should Liverpool decide to cut ties with Klopp after a remarkable eight-year tenure, Madrid apparently expect to pounce. Key figures at the Bernabeu club have reportedly already identified the former Borussia Dortmund tactician as their No 1 target to replace Ancelotti. 

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According to French publication Le 10 Sport, the appointment of Klopp would be preferred over a third spell for Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane. Klopp’s incredible success since joining Liverpool in October 2015, including Premier League and Champions League triumphs, has made him the top managerial candidate for the Spanish side. 

The report adds that Klopp apparently feels it could be time to leave Liverpool. After Saturday’s huge defeat, the 55-year-old admitted he was still in his job over past successes and had it been his first season at Anfield, he would likely have been sacked long ago. 

He said: “If it was my first season it would be slightly different. I’m aware of the fact that I’m sitting here because of the past, not because of what we did this season.”

“We have smart owners, they know about the situation,” Klopp continued. “There is no need [for me] to be afraid, I am here to deliver, I’m not here as a talisman or for murals on house walls.

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“I know I’m still here because of what happened in the last few years. I don’t like the fact that I pretty much have to rely on that. Is it right or not? We’ll see in the future.”

The report claims that the Real hierarchy have already completed work behind the scenes that suggests they will part ways with Ancelotti in the summer. The Italian, who defeated Liverpool in the Champions League final last season, has seen his side fall 12 points behind rivals Barcelona in La Liga. 

Although a third spell for their three-time Champions League-winning former manager Zidane has not been ruled out, Klopp is by far the favourite. It remains unclear whether Klopp will stay at Liverpool beyond this season. 

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