Mbappe and Vinicius Jr Line Up Against Klopp's Real Madrid Appointment

Real Madrid have made clear to Jurgen Klopp that at least two of their star players harbour serious reservations about his potential appointment as their next manager.

The former Liverpool boss, currently serving as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull, has been linked with a return to the dugout. Reports suggest he has reached an "agreement in principle" to take charge at the Bernabeu once the current season concludes.

However, the Spanish club's hierarchy have informed Klopp that both Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior stand opposed to his arrival. The dressing room sentiment, according to reports from Spain, lacks enthusiasm for the prospect of the German taking the helm at Chamartín.

Mbappe's objections centre on the intensity Klopp demands. The Frenchman is said to prioritise stability and a comfortable working environment where he can perform at his peak. Klopp's uncompromising, high-pressure approach does not align with that vision. The reports indicate Mbappe has expressed a clear preference for Didier Deschamps—a manager with whom he shares a strong relationship from their time together with the French national team.

Vinicius Junior's concerns take a different angle. The Brazilian's reservations stem not necessarily from Klopp as an individual, but rather from his tactical philosophy. Klopp's defensive system demands constant pressing, relentless off-the-ball work, and total commitment to defensive responsibilities from every player. That level of defensive intensity sits uneasily with the winger's preferences.

Real Madrid's current predicament stems from a chaotic season. Xabi Alonso was sacked following defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona, with reports of dressing room discontent over team selection and tactics. Alvaro Arbeloa stepped in, though the club has not clarified whether the appointment was temporary or permanent. Results have failed to improve—Los Blancos trail Barcelona by nine points in La Liga and suffered a Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Bayern Munich.

That Bayern defeat appears to have crystallised the view that a managerial change is necessary heading into next season.

Yet Klopp's appointment is far from settled. According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid remain in internal discussions about their next manager, with Klopp consistently mentioned among their options. However, the Spanish giants must first establish whether Klopp genuinely wants to return to daily management. Board members hold him in high regard, but clarity on his intentions remains essential before anything progresses.

Romano also suggested that Arbeloa's position could become untenable before the campaign ends, despite internal appreciation for his attitude and willingness to develop academy players. The Bayern performance earned respect within the club, but the absence of silverware weighs heavily on any assessment of his future.

For now, Klopp faces an intriguing puzzle: whether the prestige of Real Madrid's job is enough to overcome the resistance of two of its most influential players.