‘We are talking about one of the best managers’ – Enrique Riquelme names Jurgen Klopp as his dream Real Madrid appointment

The race to become Real Madrid’s next president has produced its biggest headline yet, with candidate Enrique Riquelme publicly identifying Jurgen Klopp as the man he wants to lead the club should he win the upcoming election.

While speculation surrounding Klopp’s future has surfaced repeatedly in recent months, this is the first time a presidential candidate has openly placed the former Liverpool manager at the centre of his sporting project. 

Klopp has been away from management since leaving Liverpool and has repeatedly indicated that he intends to take a break from the dugout. 

Even so, Riquelme believes Real Madrid represents a unique opportunity capable of changing that stance.

Riquelme places Klopp at the heart of his project

Jurgen Klopp has not managed a team since leaving Liverpool. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The candidate’s intentions were made clear in an official statement, where Klopp was presented as the preferred managerial choice above all other alternatives.

“We are talking about one of the best managers of our time. 

“But, above all, we are talking about a leader capable of restoring to Real Madrid the competitive intensity, the daily rigour, the professionalism, the meritocracy, the dressing room unity and the pride in a job well done that have always characterised the great eras of our history. 

“That manager is Jurgen Klopp.”

Addressing Klopp’s current position regarding a return to coaching, the statement added, 

Riquelme will try to bring in Klopp. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“We know that Jurgen Klopp has publicly stated that he has no intention of returning to management in the short term and that he has turned down numerous offers. 

“That is precisely why we believe Real Madrid’s challenge is different. Because there are great clubs, but there is only one Real Madrid.”

Raul will play a role

The project would also involve club legend Raul Gonzalez Blanco, who has been selected as sporting director in the event that Riquelme is elected president.

As such, the statement revealed that the former forward would play a key role in any potential approach for Klopp.

“If the members place their trust in me this Sunday, next Monday, 8 June, Raul Gonzalez Blanco will contact Jurgen Klopp to outline our sporting project to him,” the statement concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo