Al Ittihad are reportedly interested in making Jurgen Klopp their next principal manager, but for now that seems more of a dream than a realistic plan.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the Saudi Pro League side are looking for a new direction following the departure of manager Francisco Conceição, and Klopp is seen internally as the ideal candidate.
However, despite heartfelt praise for the former Liverpool manager, there were no prior negotiations and nothing is currently progressing.
Although Klopp is happy in his role as Red Bull’s global head of football, those close to the situation believe it will be extremely difficult to convince him to return to day-to-day coaching in Saudi Arabia.
It’s easy to see why Al-Ittihad would want Klopp. He is one of the greatest managers in world football, and his reputation remains immense even after his time at Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp changed Liverpool’s fortunes
During his time at Anfield, he won the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, FA Cup and League Cup, while also rebuilding the club’s identity and connection with its supporters.
For a club like Al Ittihad, Klopp’s appointment would be a significant statement. It would instantly raise their profile, attract global attention and send a message that they want to compete with the big names in Saudi football.
But wanting Klopp and actually signing him are two completely different things.
The main problem is that Klopp doesn’t seem ready to return to management.
Since leaving Liverpool in 2024, he has repeatedly revealed that he is enjoying life away from the pressures of coaching every day.
He is now focused on his role with Red Bull, allowing him to make an impact on the world of football without the stress and schedule of a manager.
There’s also the financial aspect. Al-Ittihad will reportedly need further support from the ministry if he is to make a serious push for Klopp.
Without that support, the club will not be able to offer the level of financial package or project needed to lure him.
German manager unlikely to join Saudi league
The situation has become even clearer as Klopp’s agent has also reportedly ruled out the idea of him taking over in 2026.
Al Ittihad are right to praise Klopp, but this feels unrealistic. Klopp is not the type of manager who comes back just for the money.
He needs the right project, the right emotional connection, and the right timing.
Saudi football sometimes attracts big names, but Klopp feels differently. He left Liverpool not because he was waiting for the biggest offer, but because he needed a break from the intensity of management.
It might be wiser for Al Ittihad to pursue a top coach who is actually ready to take the job now. That may be Klopp’s dream, but that dream seems very far away at the moment.
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