Klopp Linked with Shock Benfica Move Amid Carvalho’s Presidential Bid

Three matches, three victories: Bruno Lage’s start to the new season at Benfica has been flawless. Yet despite that perfect record, questions over his long-term future are mounting — not because of results, but politics. Presidential candidate Cristóvão Carvalho has revealed that he would seek a dramatic change in the dugout should he succeed in October’s election.

Carvalho’s Vision for Benfica

Speaking to Portuguese broadcaster SIC Notícias, Carvalho set out his vision in unequivocal terms. “Bruno Lage wouldn’t stay with me beyond his contract, which ends in summer 2026. I need a world-class coach, one who has already won the Champions League and who wants to win the Champions League with Benfica. Only one name comes to mind: Jürgen Klopp.”

The statement has injected both intrigue and scepticism into the Lisbon club’s future. Carvalho, aged 52, has placed his ambitions on a proven elite manager rather than continuity with Lage. His preferred candidate, Klopp, is widely regarded as one of the finest tacticians of his generation.

Klopp’s Current Role and Contractual Hurdles

Since January 2025, Klopp has held the position of Global Sports Director at Red Bull, with a deal running through to 2029. He has shown little enthusiasm for a rapid return to frontline coaching, enjoying a shift away from the week-to-week intensity of the touchline.

That reality makes Benfica’s chances of securing his signature slim at best. Carvalho’s pledge, while appealing to supporters seeking European glory, faces a considerable obstacle in convincing Klopp to cut short his long-term commitment in Austria.

A Record Few Can Match

Klopp’s track record in management is beyond dispute. At Liverpool, where he spent nine years, he guided the club to Champions League triumph, Premier League glory, a Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup, among other honours. Prior to that, he transformed Borussia Dortmund, winning two Bundesliga titles and the DFB-Pokal between 2008 and 2015.

Carvalho points to Klopp’s past remarks as a source of optimism. “He even said that Benfica is a great club that he would like to coach one day. Someone who says that cares more about the club than anyone else,” Carvalho insisted.

Previous Encounters with Benfica

The German coach has spoken highly of Benfica in the past. When Liverpool met the Portuguese giants in the Champions League quarter-finals of 2022, he praised their quality and resilience. A 3-1 victory at Anfield was followed by a thrilling 3-3 draw in Lisbon, a tie that earned respect from both sides.

Reflecting at the time, Klopp said: “I’m not completely stupid and think we have to beat Benfica here. This is the Champions League quarter-finals. Benfica wasn’t drawn into it, but survived a super-tough group and eliminated Ajax.” His words still resonate in Lisbon, and Carvalho has sought to harness that admiration in his campaign.

For now, however, Benfica’s presidential race is fuelling speculation rather than certainty. Carvalho’s promise of Klopp may excite the fanbase, but prising him from a secure and senior role at Red Bull looks a daunting prospect.