One of Riquelme's key pledges is to appoint Real legend Raul Gonzalez as sports director, a position currently absent from the Bernabeu's management structure. According to Riquelme, it was Raul who proposed Klopp as the most suitable candidate for the coaching role.

Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme speaks to the media on the sidelines of an international economic forum in Alcala de Henares, Spain, on 20/5. Reuters

Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme speaks to the media on the sidelines of an international economic forum in Alcala de Henares, Spain, on 20/5. Reuters

Raul spent 16 years with Real, scoring 323 goals in 741 matches and winning six La Liga titles and three Champions League titles. He captained the club, finished second in the 2001 Ballon d'Or race, and was included in the FIFA 100 list in 2004. After retiring, the former Spanish forward coached Real's youth teams from 2019, departing last year.

In an official statement, Riquelme's office said: "We understand that Klopp has repeatedly stated he has no intention of returning to coaching in the short term and has declined many offers. Therefore, we believe that the challenge of Real is different. There are many big clubs in the world, but there is only one Real. Only one organization can combine tradition and future, core values and the desire to conquer." Riquelme affirmed that if he receives the trust of the members, immediately after the election, Raul will directly contact Klopp to present the sports project and persuade the German coach to lead the team in a new phase.

However, Klopp's agent, Mark Kosicke, denied the possibility of his client returning to coaching soon. "These rumors are really annoying. Klopp is completely satisfied with his current job at Red Bull and has no plans to return to managing a club," he told Sky Sports.

Jurgen Klopp at a press conference in Salzburg, Austria, on 14/1/2025, announcing his role as Red Bull's global director of football. Reuters

Jurgen Klopp at a press conference in Salzburg, Austria, on 14/1/2025, announcing his role as Red Bull's global director of football. Reuters

Klopp has not returned to coaching since leaving Liverpool in summer 2024. From 1/2025, he has served as the global director of football for the Red Bull system. The 58-year-old coach has frequently stated he has no intention of resuming a head coach role. However, when asked about the possibility of leading Real earlier this year, Klopp noted he hadn't considered it but also did not confirm he would retire.

"If Real called, everyone would know. But that has never happened. They haven't contacted me or my agent," he said. "Currently, I'm not thinking about it. However, as a coach, I haven't completely ended my career. I'm not yet retirement age. No one knows what will happen in the coming years, but currently, no plans have been set."

Riquelme holding a Real Madrid jersey with Haaland's name printed on it during the TV show El Hormiguero.

Previously, on the TV show El Hormiguero, Riquelme also promised to sign the Man City duo: striker Erling Haaland and midfielder Rodri, if elected. The 37-year-old businessman further committed to paying all membership fees for next season for approximately 100,000 Real members if he fails to complete these two transfers.

Meanwhile, incumbent president Florentino Perez has also made a series of commitments to retain his position. He announced Jose Mourinho would become Real's head coach if re-elected. Benfica also stated that Mourinho would leave the Portuguese club if Perez continues to lead at the Bernabeu. Perez also confirmed the signing of two defenders, Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate. The current president pledged to spend 150 million euros to bring in a top European star, believed to be Michael Olise of Bayern, or Joao Neves of PSG.

By Hong Duy (according to Sky Sports)