Borussia Dortmund president Hans-Joachim Watzke weighs in on two of soccer’s biggest names and their long-term futures.

Borussia Dortmund president Hans-Joachim Watzke weighs in on two of soccer’s biggest names and their long-term futures.
ANNA SZILAGYI
Real Madrid

“I know very well what he thinks” - Watzke on Klopp and Haaland futures at Real Madrid

In recent days, Erling Haaland and Jürgen Klopp have become protagonists in Real Madrid’s election campaign. Enrique Riquelme brought their names into the spotlight, but the agents and family members of both men have denied any kind of commitment. AS has sought out and found what can be considered one of the most important figures in both of their careers: Hans-Joachim Watzke, president of Borussia Dortmund.

His opinion carries weight regarding both the present and future of the German and the Norwegian.

Real Madrid can forget about getting Klopp

Klopp led the German side to compete for every major honor and always did so with the backing of the club’s chief executive at the time.

“He’s a great coach. He has always shown that. But right now he has absolutely no intention of coaching any team. He’s not going to sign for anyone. He is convinced of that. He knows what he has to do, and it does not involve coaching any team at this moment.”

“I know very well what he thinks” - Watzke on Klopp and Haaland futures at Real Madrid
Jürgen Klopp KERSTIN JOENSSON

It has now been 11 years since Klopp left Borussia Dortmund.

“We talk a lot. I’d say there’s always something going on, but there was no need to discuss this because I know what he thinks. Besides, yesterday his representative spoke on Sky and made it clear.”

Haaland is in Real Madrid’s future

The second issue concerns Erling Haaland, whose relationship with Watzke is much more recent.

“I know very well what he thinks and I can say that, of course, he admires Real Madrid and that in the future he would like to play for the club. But next season he will continue playing for Manchester City. Without any doubt.”

“I know very well what he thinks” - Watzke on Klopp and Haaland futures at Real Madrid
Manchester City's Erling Haaland.Peter Cziborra

The Borussia Dortmund president is clear about what will happen with Haaland in the future.

He loves Real Madrid and doesn’t hide it. I think he will play there in two or three years, but not any sooner. He has not committed himself to anyone, just as his father has said.”

“I’ve had a great relationship with Real Madrid for 12 years and they have always respected Borussia Dortmund at all times, and that is something to be grateful for. What Florentino has done during this period is incredible,” Watzke said.

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