Klopp ‘happy’ in new job despite Real Madrid rumors: agent

Jurgen Klopp is "very happy" in his current post at Red Bull despite rumours linking him to a return to management with Real Madrid, his agent said Friday. (AP/File)
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Updated 18 April 2025
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Klopp ‘happy’ in new job despite Real Madrid rumors: agent

  • Agent Marc Kosicke said 57-year-old Klopp was enjoying his new job
  • RB Leipzig coach Zsolt Low said he “could not imagine” Klopp moving to Real Madrid

BERLIN: Jurgen Klopp is “very happy” in his current post at Red Bull despite rumors linking him to a return to management with Real Madrid, his agent said Friday.
The former Liverpool manager became Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer in January, taking care of a stable of clubs including RB Leipzig, the New York Red Bulls and Bragantino in Brazil.
Real Madrid’s quarter-final elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Arsenal this week has led to speculation manager Carlo Ancelotti is headed for the exit at the end of the season.
German media reported that Klopp was one of the names that the Spanish giants want to take over in the Bernabeu dugout.
Asked about the rumors, his agent Marc Kosicke said 57-year-old Klopp was enjoying his new job.
“Jurgen is very happy with his new role with Red Bull,” Kosicke told Sky Deutschland.
Also speaking on Friday, RB Leipzig coach Zsolt Low said he “could not imagine” Klopp moving to Real Madrid, adding the German was “very happy in the job.”
Low praised Klopp’s impact, saying “he’s shown that he can bring a club together, a group of 40, 50, 60 people, and take them with him.
“He adds incredible value with his experience, his human quality and his energy.”
In a 23-year career as a top-flight manager with Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Mainz, Klopp left each club of his own accord, a rarity in coaching.
“No matter where he’s been, he’s given 100 percent,” Low said, adding “regardless of where he is he’s stayed and done the job. It’s important to him to make a clean exit.”
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is considered a leading candidate for the Real Madrid job. Alonso, a former Madrid player, said Friday it was “not the time” to discuss his future.


Nemkov and Cyborg crowned PFL world champions in Lyon 

Updated 14 December 2025
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Nemkov and Cyborg crowned PFL world champions in Lyon 

  • Rising stars of MMA on show at landmark event that highlights sport’s global ambitions 
  • Brazilian veteran Cyborg cements status as one of the greatest fighters in women’s MMA history 

LYON: Two new Professional Fighters League world champions were crowned on Saturday night as Vadim Nemkov and Cris Cyborg headlined a landmark PFL Lyon event at the LDLC Arena, which also saw the emergence of Europe’s next wave of MMA talent. 

Russia’s Nemkov closed out his 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, becoming the inaugural PFL Heavyweight World Champion with a first-round submission victory over Brazil’s Renan Ferreira. Nemkov (20-2) secured an arm-triangle choke at the four-minute mark of the opening round, neutralizing the size and power of the Brazilian to firmly establish himself at the top of the heavyweight division heading into 2026. 

In the co-main event, Cyborg added another accolade to her decorated career by capturing the PFL Women’s Featherweight World Championship. The Brazilian veteran (29-2, 1 NC) defeated previously unbeaten Sara Collins (6-1) via rear-naked choke in the third round, further cementing her status as one of the greatest fighters in women’s MMA history. Cyborg later indicated that she intends to have one final MMA bout before calling time on her career. 

The Lyon crowd was treated to a series of standout performances beyond the title fights. Belgian prospect Patrick Habirora continued his rapid rise with a first-round knockout of Kevin Jousset, preserving his perfect professional record at 8-0. Habirora’s explosive finish sent the arena into celebration and underlined his growing reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young fighters. 

France’s Taylor Lapilus delivered a composed and technically polished display to earn a unanimous decision victory over England’s Liam Gittins. Lapilus (23-4) controlled the contest over three rounds, reinforcing his credentials as a leading contender in the PFL bantamweight division. 

Two PFL Europe titles were also decided on the night. Aleksandr Chizov claimed the 2025 PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament Championship after stopping Connor Hughes with a third-round knockout, capping a consistent campaign marked by resilience and adaptability. Meanwhile, French bantamweight Baris Adiguzel captured the 2025 PFL Europe Bantamweight Tournament Championship with a first-round TKO victory over Dean Garnett, imposing his aggressive style from the opening bell. 

With four champions crowned and several rising stars making statements on a major stage, PFL Lyon marked a significant moment for the organization’s global and European ambitions. 

Full results: 

Vadim Nemkov def. Renan Ferreira by first-round submission (arm-triangle choke, 4:00) 

Cris Cyborg def. Sara Collins by third-round submission (rear-naked choke, 2:55) 

Patrick Habirora def. Kevin Jousset by first-round KO (2:42) 

Taylor Lapilus def. Liam Gittins by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) 

Baris Adiguzel def. Dean Garnett by first-round TKO (0:44) 

Boris Atangana def. Guilherme Soares by second-round submission (rear-naked choke, 2:35) 

Aleksandr Chizov def. Connor Hughes by third-round KO (0:50) 

Gustavo Oliveira def. Movsar Ibragimov by second-round KO (0:34) 

Sabrina de Sousa def. Paulina Wisniewska by split decision 

Rayan Balbali def. Levi Batchelor by split decision