Klopp backs Barcelona over Real Madrid ahead of El Clasico at Camp Nou
German national team manager Jürgen Klopp will be watching the El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid on Sunday 25 at 17:00 Brasília time at the Camp Nou. The Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool veteran said his support goes to the side in the best form, noting Barcelona’s 100 percent win rate and 39 goals in nine league games.
Klopp's nostalgic allegiance
In comments to streaming service, Klopp recalled that he has always loved watching the clashes between the Catalans and the Madrilenos. “Claro que vou ver o El Clásico entre Barça e Real Madrid. Acompanhei este jogo em todas as fases da minha vida,” he said, adding that his affection for Barcelona dates back to the last decade when the classic was especially aggressive. He explained that he disliked seeing defenders such as Pepe and Sergio Ramos “kicking everything in front of them”, which was the sole reason he backed the Catalan side then. Sem pontapés citados por Klopp, he noted the physicality of that era.
Current form tips the scales
Klopp now declares his support for the team that is performing best, stating “Hoje, apoio a equipe que for melhor. E, neste momento, essa equipe é provavelmente o Barcelona.” Barcelona sit atop La Liga with a perfect record, having scored 39 goals in nine matches. By contrast, Real Madrid have not won a domestic title since 2024 and are on their fourth manager in just over a year, with José Mourinho back at the helm but unable to restore former dominance.
The Merengues continue to grapple with balancing their star‑laden squad, and a clear starting eleven remains elusive for many supporters. Their recent season has seen no trophy haul, and the lack of a stable tactical identity has left fans uncertain about their chances against a Barcelona side that appears in control.
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Barcelona, now guided by Hansi Flick, remain unbeaten in the league despite a 4‑2 defeat to Paris Saint‑Germain in their opening match of the campaign. The Catalans are already six points clear of their nearest rival and are chasing a third consecutive Spanish title while eyeing a Champions League crown that has eluded them since 2015.
Their brand of play is described as the best collective in Europe at the moment, capable of switching between vertical thrusts and patient buildup, with constant movement in the central corridor. The club’s ambition to add a Champions League trophy this season adds further weight to the upcoming showdown.
Whether Real Madrid can halt Barcelona’s momentum or suffer a heavy defeat remains the central question ahead of the match. The clash promises to be a litmus test for both sides’ aspirations this season.
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Klopp’s endorsement adds a high‑profile narrative to an already charged El Clasico, underscoring how the rivalry continues to capture the imagination of football’s biggest personalities.