Mbappe's Klopp Reservation: Real Madrid Forward Prefers Zidane as Next Boss

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe is said to be uneasy about the prospect of Jurgen Klopp taking the helm at the Bernabéu next season, with the French forward unconvinced by the potential appointment.

The Spanish giants have endured a tumultuous campaign. Xabi Alonso was dismissed in January following their Spanish Super Cup loss to Barcelona, with reports of dressing room friction over tactical decisions and team selection. Álvaro Arbeloa stepped in as his replacement, though the club never clarified whether the appointment was permanent or merely a caretaker solution.

Real Madrid's season has gone from bad to worse since then. A 6-4 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League knocked them out of Europe's premier competition, whilst they now trail Barcelona by nine points in La Liga. A managerial change at the end of the season now appears inevitable.

Klopp has reportedly already agreed verbally to take the job once the campaign concludes. Spanish outlets have even suggested Real Madrid are already identifying potential recruits for the former Liverpool manager, with Manchester City's Rodri, Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, and Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez all mentioned as targets.

Yet Mbappe's enthusiasm appears decidedly lukewarm. According to reports from Spain, the 27-year-old is far from convinced about welcoming Klopp to the Bernabéu. Instead, the forward would much prefer Zinedine Zidane—his childhood idol—to step into the role, and would relish the chance to work under the three-time Champions League winner.

Klopp, though, appears destined for the job regardless. He's understood to be "the chosen one" tasked with salvaging Real Madrid's fortunes, with negotiations having progressed quietly for some time. While no formal agreement has been finalised, there's considerable confidence in the deal, particularly given Klopp's eagerness to return to the dugout.

The German has grown restless in his current position as a sports advisor for Red Bull. He craves the intensity and demands of managing an elite club once more, rather than remaining in an advisory capacity.

Fabrizio Romano offered some clarity on the situation this week, noting that Real Madrid have yet to make any official statement to Arbeloa about his future, though the club remains interested in Klopp. Romano acknowledged that Arbeloa has earned respect internally for his attitude and willingness to trust young Castilla players—a philosophy Real Madrid wish to maintain. The Bayern performance, despite Camavinga's red card, also earned plaudits for its competitive spirit.

However, Romano stressed that nothing is concrete regarding Klopp. Real Madrid's board clearly admire the German tactician, but they must first establish whether he genuinely wants to return to the daily grind of first-team management. That clarity remains essential before any deal moves forward.

Arbeloa's position could yet change between now and season's end, but for now, Real Madrid are keeping their powder dry on any official announcements.