Jurgen Klopp linked with shock touchline return raises prospect of dramatic Champions League clash with his former club Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp could cope Liverpool in the Champions League after being linked to a “new job” with a European side.

The former Liverpool boss has taken up the role of Red Bull’s global head of football operations since leaving Merseyside at the end of last season. The role allows him to oversee the energy drink company’s network of clubs, including RB Salzburg in Austria, RB Leipzig in Germany and three other clubs in North and South America.

According to reports, the contract with Red Bull contained an exit clause where Klopp would be allowed to leave to become head coach of his national team, Germany. However, this clause would not be included in the agreement.

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It is unclear whether the German would make a return to management, but recent revelations in Spain have turned some heads. Spanish media Statement have linked the former Liverpool boss with a move to Atletico Madrid where he is “highly rated”.

Since the arrival of Carlos Bucero as director of football of the red and white team, reports have emerged that long-time manager Diego Simeone has “lost power” within the club.

Klopp and Simeone have faced each other four times, all four in the Champions League. In the 2019/20 season, Atletico beat Liverpool in the second leg of a round of 16 match. Three goals in overtime for Simeone’s team Anfield eliminated the Reds that year. Klopp’s side would beat them twice in the group stage two years later.

The Argentine manager is known for using every trick in the book to beat an opponent. However, since his La Liga title-winning season in 2020/21, he has been unable to get his hands on another trophy; this despite spending around £170m this summer.

Going straight back to football with a team like Atletico is probably something Klopp wouldn’t be interested in. But, if that were to happen, he could face his former team Liverpool in the round of 16 of this year’s new Champions League. What a story that would be.