Jurgen Klopp Wants Barcelona to Beat Real Madrid Because of Pepe

Jurgen Klopp has made it very clear who he will be supporting during this weekend’s El Clasico meeting between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

It’s one of the biggest fixtures on the football calendar and attracts a worldwide audience whenever the two giants meet. Barcelona welcome Jose Mourinho’s side to Camp Nou, having won all nine league matches they’ve played.

Meanwhile, Los Blancos can pull themselves within three points of their fierce rivals at the top of La Liga with a win. But whose corner will Klopp be in?

Jurgen Klopp Disliked Real Madrid Icon

REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

At one point, world football revolved around these two teams, especially when Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were at their peak. The rivalry goes far beyond Spanish football, with fans from across the globe tuning in to see iconic encounters.

Klopp has admitted he has always made sure to catch the fixture when it comes around. Sunday will be no different.

He’s also explained why he’ll be backing Barcelona, who are managed by fellow German Hansi Flick. Per BuliNews, the Germany manager said: “Of course I’ll watch El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid. I’ve watched this game at every stage of my life.”

However, the past actions of one of the dirtiest players in football history played a part in Klopp favouring Blaugrana. Pepe was rock solid at the back for Real Madrid, but often got drawn into controversial incidents, which Klopp clearly wasn’t a fan of.

“In the past, I was more of a Barcelona supporter because I was against the actions of Pepe and other Madrid defenders,” he explained. “Today, I support the better team. And looking at things at the moment, that is probably Barcelona.”

So a mixture of disliking the antics of Pepe and his colleagues and Barcelona currently being the ‘better’ team in his eyes have contributed to Klopp’s decision.

Klopp Didn’t Like Sergio Ramos Either

Klopp took Liverpool to three Champions League finals during his nine years at Anfield. The first saw Real Madrid defeat the Reds in 2018, with Loris Karius mistakes costing the English giants.

Another significant event in that match saw Sergio Ramos injure Mohamed Salah, who left the field in tears during the first half. Speaking about Ramos’ actions and lack of remorse on Toni Kroos’ podcast in 2025, Klopp questioned whether Ramos is a ‘good guy’.

So add Ramos to the list of Real Madrid players the 59-year-old hasn’t been keen on over the years. The Spaniard is undoubtedly among the greatest defenders of all time, but certainly had a mean streak about him.