Jürgen Klopp’s firm rejection of two Premier League clubs; loyal to Liverpool

Jürgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool FC at the end of the 2023/24 season exploded the managerial market. After nearly ten years coaching Liverpool, the German decided to stop his career on the sidelines and quickly rumors about his future began to emerge. The different national teams and top-level clubs gauged his situation, but Klopp was consistent with the message that he had launched during recent months: he needed rest.

Meanwhile, Liverpool began a new stage under Arne Slot and the German coach's future remained uncertain. For a while he set aside sporting commitments and prioritized his personal life after years of maximum demand. In subsequent interviews he commented that his daily life had changed completely: more free time, family events and activities that were impossible due to the competitive pace of life.

In October 2024 his incorporation into Red Bull as Global Director of Soccer was made public, a strategic position far from the daily bench requirements. It was an exotic decision for some sectors but it allowed him to remain linked to the sport as head of soccer without having to assume the relative intensity of directing every weekend.

Before accepting such role, Klopp received several offers. The United States and England federations properly weighed his name. Even in Germany there was talk of a possible arrival of the German to the national team bench, and it must even be remembered that at the end of the last Eurocup his name was mentioned, as Julian Nagelsmann was in the position. European clubs also explored convincing him to return early. The coach himself had a blunt response at the Würzburg conference, in which he pointed out that he would not make exceptions after announcing his break, as he needed to disconnect completely. His behavior was consistent with that promise made on the day of his farewell at Anfield, which affirmed that if he returned to coaching in England, it would only be at Liverpool. His agent, Marc Kosicke, later confirmed approaches from Premier League teams and ambitious projects. His circle insisted, however, that this was not the moment for a return to Liverpool.

Parallelly, the market kept turning in his direction. Mauricio Pochettino occupied the American national team after leaving Chelsea; subsequently, Gareth Southgate left England after Euro 2024; additionally, Manchester United opted to continue with Erik ten Hag after winning the FA Cup. For his part, Klopp persisted in the distance.

Those around him do not eliminate the possibility that at some point he will recover that need for directing. His agent left the door open, clarifying that currently he feels happy in his role. Klopp already has a prominent place in European soccer history and has also managed something unusual: leave voluntarily and not dismissed.

At this instant, the question is when —and where— he could return. Summer 2026 or 2027 seem chosen dates as they coincide with new cycles in clubs and national teams. For now, the German enjoys a break he considered unavoidable and the playing fields wait for the day in which he finally reappears on the sideline.