Barcelona Confident in Persuading Jurgen Klopp for Summer Managerial Role
Jurgen Klopp, the current Liverpool manager, is reportedly Barcelona’s top choice to replace Xavi as their new head coach. Despite Klopp’s announcement that he would be stepping down from his role at Liverpool and taking a break from management, Barcelona is convinced that they can persuade him to take over this summer.
Klopp cited a lack of energy as the reason for his departure from Liverpool and expressed his intention to take at least a year-long sabbatical, if not retire from management altogether. However, Barcelona remains undeterred and sees Klopp as the ideal candidate to succeed Xavi.
Barcelona President Joan Laporta has already made Klopp his number one target and believes that they can entice the German coach to snub a sabbatical. The club is confident that they can persuade Klopp to take over immediately, despite his initial plans for a break.
Klopp has long been tempted by the possibility of coaching in Spain, and Barcelona believes that they can fulfill his desire. The Catalan club is prepared to give Klopp free rein over how he shapes the team, which could be an appealing factor for the German coach.
However, there may be a potential hurdle in terms of finances. Barcelona is struggling to comply with financial fair play rules and will likely need to undergo a massive clear-out in the summer to raise funds. This means that they cannot guarantee Klopp the transfer budget he may feel is necessary.
Interestingly, Klopp already has ties to Spain as he owns a house and farm in Mallorca where he is likely to spend his break. This connection could further entice him to consider the Barcelona managerial role.
While Klopp is Barcelona’s top choice, they are also considering other options. If Klopp insists on taking a year-long sabbatical, Barcelona may take a risk on a less established manager. Girona boss Michel, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, and even Barcelona B boss Rafael Marquez are all potential candidates that will be analyzed internally in the coming weeks and months.
There had been rumors that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could be a prime target for Barcelona, but Arteta downplayed the links and reaffirmed his commitment to Arsenal.
It is worth noting that when Klopp left Borussia Dortmund in 2015, he had also intended to take a lengthy sabbatical. However, when Liverpool offered him the opportunity to manage the club, he jumped at the chance. This history suggests that if Barcelona can present an enticing offer, Klopp may be persuaded to change his plans once again.
Barcelona’s pursuit of Klopp will undoubtedly be an interesting story to follow in the coming months. As they navigate financial challenges and consider other managerial options, it remains to be seen if they can successfully convince Klopp to take on the role. For now, football fans will eagerly await any updates on this potential blockbuster appointment.