Liverpool could face Jurgen Klopp Champions League reunion after shock job claim

Jurgen Klopp linked with a shock move back to the touchline raises the prospect of a dramatic Champions League clash with his former club Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp could return as manager to face his former team Liverpool(Image: AP)

Jurgen Klopp could face Liverpool in the Champions League after being linked to a ‘new job’ with a European side.

The former Liverpool boss has taken up a position as the global head of Red Bull’s football operations since leaving Merseyside at the end of last season. This position has him overseeing the energy drink company’s network of clubs including RB Salzburg in Austria, RB Leipzig in Germany and three other clubs across North and South America.

There had been reports that within the contract with Red Bull there was an exit clause whereby Klopp would be allowed to leave to become head coach of his national side, Germany. However, this clause is alleged to not be included in the deal.

It is unknown if the German would make a return to management, but there have been recent revelations within Spain which have caused some heads to turn. Spanish media outlet Relevo have linked the ex-Liverpool boss with a move to Atletico Madrid where he is ‘highly valued’.

Since the introduction of Carlos Bucero as director of football for the red and white team, reports have come out about long-standing manager Diego Simeone having ‘lost power’ at the club.

Diego Simeone and Jürgen Klopp before Atlético Madrid vs Liverpool in the Champions League last-16 first leg in 2020.

Diego Simeone and Jürgen Klopp have met four times before – all in the Champions League(Image: Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Klopp and Simeone have played against each other four times, with all four coming in the Champions League. In the 2019/20 season, Atletico infamously beat Liverpool in the second long of a round-of-16 game. Three goals in extra time for Simeone’s team at Anfield knocked the Reds out that year. Klopp’s team would beat them twice in the group stages two years later.

The Argentine manager is known for using every trick in the book to beat an opponent. However, since his La Liga title-winning season in 2020/21, he hasn’t been able to get his hands on another trophy; this is despite spending around £170m this summer.

Jumping straight back into football with a team like Atletico is likely something that Klopp would not be interested in. But, if it were to happen, he could face his old Liverpool side in the knockout rounds of this year’s newly formatted Champions League. What a story that would be.