Jurgen Klopp will not become Real Madrid manager despite presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme vowing to pursue him if elected. Klopp's agent Marc Kosike told Sky Germany that the former Liverpool boss is happy in his role at Red Bull and has no ambition to coach a club again. Riquelme, 37, is challenging incumbent Florentino Perez in Sunday's vote by the club's 10,000 members.

Riquelme's $129 million promise and the Haaland legal threat

Riquelme has made a series of grand pledges during the campaign, including a promise to sign Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. According to the source, Riquelme held up a Madrid shirt with Haaland's name on it during a television appearance. That prompted a spokesperson for Manchester City to say the club is considering legal action for the unauthorised use of the player's image. City also said there is no contractual clause enabling Haaland to leave.

Meanwhile, Perez has confirmed that Jose Mourinho would be the new manager if he is re-elected, and has promised a £129 million Galactico signing — reportedly Bayern Munich's Michael Olise. The scale of Riquelme's promises may be working against him if members view them as unrealistic.

What Kosike's 'annoying' verdict reveals about Klopp's future

Kosike's blunt dismissal on Sky Germany — “It's annoying” — underscores the long odds of Riquelme's pitch. Klopp stepped down as Liverpool manager in 2024 after a hugely successful tenure and has repeatedly stated he has no desire to return to management. Kosike confirmed that the German is content in his current role at Red Bull. Riquelme, undeterred, insisted on Friday: “That is precisely why we believe the challenge of Real Madrid is different. Because there are great clubs,but there is only one Real Madrid .” He added that if elected, his director Raúl would contact Klopp to convey the sporting project.

A two-way race: Perez's Mourinho card vs. Riquelme's Klopp gamble

The election pits two very different visions for Real Madrid. Perez, who served as president from 2000-2006 and again since 2009, offers the known quantity of Mourinho — a former Madrid manager with a track record of success.. Riquelme promises a transformative new era with Klopp, a leader he says can restore competitive intensity and dressing-room unity. But with Klopp unavailable , Riquelme's credibility takes a hit. As the source notes, his more outlandish pledges could work against him if members deem them impossible. The outcome on Sunday will determine whether the club sticks with Perez's pragmatic approach or risks a more ambitious — and so far unfulfillable — campaign.

The 10,000 members and the Sunday vote that decides Madrid's direction

Real Madrid's unique governance structure puts the decision in the hands of about 10,000 members, each payiing £130 annually. They cast their votes on Sunday. The source reports that Perez plans new additions beyond Mourinho, including Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries. Riquelme also pledged to sign City's Rodri. With the Haaland legal threat and Klopp's rejection, Riquelme's campaign has lost momentum. Members must choose between a controevrsial but experienced incumbent and a challenger whose bold promises have yet to land a single win.