It's been 20 days since five-time world champions Brazil have been without a head coach. Yet, there's still no certainty about who will take over the Selecao.
However, two names appear to be front-runners. Jorge Jesus seems the likeliest candidate to assume the role unless Brazil ultimately manages to secure Carlo Ancelotti. Amid this indecisive situation, a new name has emerged in the discussion; former Liverpool legend Jürgen Klopp.
After stepping down as Liverpool’s manager, the German mastermind had stated he wouldn’t return to coaching any team or club anytime soon. But a recent comment hints that he may be reconsidering that decision.
According to Brazilian outlet UOL, “If an opportunity to coach Brazil or Real Madrid is confirmed, Klopp is ready to leave his role at Red Bull.”
Klopp ended his nine-year tenure with Liverpool in January of last year.
Following that, he announced he would not return to coaching immediately.
However, he did re-enter the football world in a different capacity as Red Bull's Global Head of Soccer. Red Bull oversees clubs like RB Leipzig (Germany), Red Bull Salzburg (Austria) and New York Red Bulls (USA), and Klopp’s current work involves overseeing football-related operations across these institutions.
Still, according to UOL, Klopp doesn’t seem to be enjoying this off-field role all that much. “While the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) continues its pursuit of big names like Carlo Ancelotti and Jorge Jesus, Klopp’s interest in stepping away from his Red Bull director role is growing,” the report claims. Now, the big question for CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues is: who will replace Dorival Júnior? Especially considering Klopp’s close circle has confirmed that he might leave Red Bull if he gets either of the two desired roles—Brazil or Real Madrid.
Klopp assumed his position as Red Bull's Football Director on January 1, 2025. Before that, he managed Liverpool for nine years and Borussia Dortmund prior to that. There were earlier rumours that he could become the head coach of national teams like England, Germany, or the USA after Liverpool, but Klopp dismissed those possibilities, indicating he had a different plan. That plan became clear when he took on the Red Bull position.
However, it seems he’s not entirely satisfied there either.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s primary target remains Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. But Ancelotti is contracted with the Spanish giants until mid-2026.
There’s also the upcoming Club World Cup in June this year. So, securing the Italian mastermind before then seems unlikely. A potential opportunity could arise if Real Madrid exit the Champions League early.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding Ancelotti, Brazil also turned toward Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus. But he has requested a few months before committing. Still, Brazil hasn't given up hope on Ancelotti.
In the end, it remains to be seen who will take charge of the Selecao, time will tell.
SH
