Klopp Rules Himself Out of England Manager Race, but Leaves Door Open for Future Return to Football
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has dismissed rumors linking him to the vacant England manager position. After Gareth Southgate stepped down following England’s defeat in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, Klopp’s name surfaced as a potential candidate. However, speaking at the International Coaches’ Congress in Wurzburg, Klopp made it clear that he is not currently considering any job offers, whether from clubs or countries. He emphasized that it would be a significant loss of face for him to make an exception and return to coaching at this point in time.
Despite Klopp ruling himself out, bookmakers continue to place him as a frontrunner, with odds as low as 6/1. The Football Association is actively seeking Southgate’s successor, and other notable names in the mix include Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe, Graham Potter (former Brighton and Chelsea manager), and Lee Carsley (England Under-21s boss). While Klopp may not be interested in the England job, he hasn’t completely closed the door on a return to football in the future.
Klopp left Liverpool at the end of last season, ending a highly successful nine-year tenure. The German manager cited exhaustion as the reason for his departure, stating that he was “running out of energy.” This decision sparked speculation about his next move, but Klopp remains determined to take a break from coaching for now. He expressed a desire to engage in other activities and not limit himself to just padel tennis and spending time with his grandchildren.
However, Klopp’s comments also hinted at a potential comeback in football. He acknowledged that he has coached some of the best clubs in the world and still has a passion for the game. While he stated that he is done as a coach for the time being, Klopp indicated that he may reassess his stance in a few months. He expressed a willingness to continue working in football, utilizing his experience and contacts to help others. Klopp’s future in the sport remains uncertain, but he clearly has not ruled out the possibility of returning to the touchline.
In conclusion, Jurgen Klopp has firmly denied any interest in becoming the next England manager. He has distanced himself from the speculation, emphasizing that he currently has no plans to take on a coaching role. However, Klopp’s words suggest that he may reconsider his decision in the future. Despite leaving Liverpool due to exhaustion, he maintains a passion for football and a desire to contribute to the sport. As time passes, Klopp’s stance may evolve, and only then will we know if he will grace the football world with his managerial expertise once again.