Klopp in Early Discussions with Real Madrid via Kroos as Bernabéu Pressure Mounts on Arbeloa

Jurgen Klopp has started preliminary discussions with Real Madrid, with former club legend Toni Kroos serving as a go-between in a bid to tempt the German tactician to the Bernabéu.

Kroos, a six-time Champions League winner during his playing days at the Spanish giants, is acting as an intermediary to help president Florentino Pérez land their top managerial target. According to German outlet Kicker, the pair have already held 'first talks', with Kroos urging Klopp not to pass up the chance to lead such an appealing project.

The former Liverpool boss currently holds the position of Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull and has repeatedly suggested that his time in management may have concluded, having departed Anfield in an exhausted state. Nevertheless, that hasn't deterred Kroos from attempting to change his mind.

Should negotiations progress, Kroos is reportedly willing to take on an assistant's role to help ease Klopp's transition, particularly given potential language difficulties in Madrid.

Real Madrid's current boss Álvaro Arbeloa finds himself under the microscope after just months in the job. Appointed following Xabi Alonso's dismissal last month, the Spaniard has won four of his opening six matches. However, embarrassing exits – notably a Copa del Rey elimination at the hands of second-tier Albacete and a Champions League play-off hurdle courtesy of Benfica – have already heaped significant pressure on his shoulders.

The Portuguese side's victory means Real Madrid must navigate a two-legged play-off to secure their place in the last 16 of Europe's premier competition.

Beyond Klopp, other high-profile names have been mooted as potential successors, with Unai Emery among those touted as a frontrunner.

Complicating matters further for Arbeloa, reports suggest key players including Kylian Mbappé, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler have begun questioning his authority. Mbappé, described as the group's figurehead, has formed what's characterised as a 'core' of players expressing doubts about the manager's grip on the dressing room.

Despite Mbappé maintaining his on-pitch commitment and goal-scoring focus, he reportedly remains unconvinced by Arbeloa's tactical philosophy and has not bought into the manager's attempts to establish his leadership credentials.