Legendary former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a stunning return to management and it could put him on a collision course with the Reds
Klopp Tipped as Shock Target in Benfica’s Presidential Race
Jürgen Klopp walked away from Anfield at the end of the 2023/24 season, closing his iconic Liverpool chapter after nine trophy-laden years. He didn’t stay idle for long, instead taking on the role of Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull, where he now steers the footballing strategy across RB Leipzig, Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, and other clubs in the energy drink giant’s multi-team empire.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have thrived under successor Arne Slot, storming to the Premier League title in their first campaign post-Klopp. But the German’s reputation and strategic pedigree still make him one of the most sought-after figures in the game.
And now, according to reports, his next destination could be… Portugal.
Benfica Election Drama
In Lisbon, Benfica are in the thick of a heated presidential election. Candidates are battling to replace Rui Costa, with bold promises flying in all directions. Current coach Bruno Lage finds himself at the centre of the storm, as one challenger, Cristóvão Carvalho, has gone public with his most eye-catching pledge yet:
➡️ If elected, he will part ways with Lage at the end of his deal and bring Jürgen Klopp to the Estádio da Luz.
Carvalho has framed his manifesto around transparency, excellence, and financial responsibility — but it’s the Klopp bombshell that has set tongues wagging.
Klopp Watch
While there’s no indication that Klopp is ready to step back into the dugout, his role at Red Bull has only enhanced his standing as a football visionary. That makes him an irresistible name for ambitious clubs and presidents seeking to make a statement.
For Benfica fans, the idea of Klopp in red might be little more than an election gambit — but it’s one with the power to shake Portuguese football.
“There’s Only One Name”: Benfica Candidate Promises Klopp if Elected
The race to become Benfica’s next president has taken a dramatic turn, with candidate Cristóvão Carvalho making a sensational pledge: to bring Jürgen Klopp to Lisbon.
Speaking to SIC Notícias, Carvalho was clear about his vision for the dugout:
“Bruno Lage won’t stay beyond his contract. I need a coach of the highest level, who has already won the Champions League and who wants to win a Champions League with Benfica.
There’s only one name that comes to mind: Jürgen Klopp. He even said that Benfica is a great club that he would like to coach one day. Someone who says this has something more than others to be at the club.”
Klopp Back in the Frame?
Klopp stepped away from frontline management at the end of the 2023/24 season, taking up a senior strategic role with Red Bull. But his stock remains sky-high, and Carvalho is betting big that he can tempt the German back to the touchline.
If Klopp does return, the calibre of clubs likely to pursue him — combined with Benfica’s ambitions — could set up some blockbuster clashes, including a possible reunion with Liverpool down the line.
Benfica’s European Stage
For now, Benfica remain firmly in the Champions League spotlight. After navigating qualifiers against Nice and Fenerbahçe, they’ve landed in a heavyweight league phase group alongside Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Carvalho insists the club must think beyond domestic dominance and focus on genuine European contention. And in his eyes, Klopp is the only man who fits the bill.
