Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp was a target for both Manchester United and Chelsea following his departure from Anfield in May 2024, according to his agent, Marc Kosicke. However, both Premier League clubs have denied making any formal approach for the German coach.
Kosicke revealed in an interview with Transfermarkt that both clubs expressed interest, despite Klopp’s prior statements indicating he would not manage another English team. “Even Chelsea and Manchester United inquired, although Jurgen had clearly stated that he would not coach any other club in England,” Kosicke said. “These inquiries keep coming.”
The claims come as Klopp currently serves as the global head of soccer for Red Bull, a role he took up in January 2025 after an extended break from management. He had previously spent nine years at Liverpool, culminating in a Premier League title and a legacy as one of the club’s most successful managers.
Both Manchester United and Chelsea have publicly refuted the assertions made by Kosicke. According to reports, both clubs deny having initiated any contact with Klopp, either directly or through intermediaries. This denial adds a layer of complexity to Kosicke’s claims, raising questions about the nature of the “inquiries” he described.
Kosicke’s comments also highlighted Klopp’s potential opportunities prior to joining Red Bull. He suggested that Klopp was considered for the national team positions in the United States and England and even Germany, though Julian Nagelsmann had already been appointed as the German national team manager. The US national team appointed Mauricio Pochettino in September 2024, while Gareth Southgate’s successor, Thomas Tuchel, was named by the Football Association in January 2025.
Despite the reported interest from other clubs, Kosicke emphasized Klopp’s current contentment with his position at Red Bull. “Maybe at some point he’ll say he needs to smell the locker room again,” Kosicke stated, “But at the moment he’s very, very happy in his role.” He also noted Klopp’s pride in his managerial record, having managed only three clubs – Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool – throughout his career without ever being dismissed.
Klopp’s departure from Liverpool in 2024 marked the end of a hugely successful era at Anfield. He left having transformed the club, ending their 30-year wait for a league title and establishing them as a dominant force in both domestic and European football. His decision to step away from management was driven by a desire for a different challenge, leading him to the broader, more strategic role with Red Bull.
The interest from Manchester United and Chelsea underscores Klopp’s reputation as one of the most highly regarded managers in world football. Both clubs have been searching for stability and success in recent years, and Klopp’s proven track record would have made him an attractive candidate. However, his commitment to not managing another English club presented a significant obstacle.
Manchester United, in particular, have been in a period of transition since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, cycling through several managers in an attempt to restore their former glory. Chelsea, meanwhile, have undergone significant changes in ownership and management, seeking to rebuild their squad and challenge for major honors. The pursuit of Klopp, even if ultimately unsuccessful, demonstrates the ambition of both clubs.
The situation raises questions about the level of due diligence conducted by both clubs. If they genuinely respected Klopp’s stated desire to avoid managing another English team, why pursue him at all? It’s possible the inquiries were exploratory, gauging his potential interest in a future role, or simply a demonstration of ambition on their part.
For now, Klopp appears settled in his new role with Red Bull, overseeing the football operations of a global network of clubs. While the possibility of a return to management cannot be entirely ruled out, his agent’s comments suggest he is currently enjoying the challenges and opportunities presented by his current position. The football world will undoubtedly continue to watch his career path with keen interest, wondering if the lure of the touchline will eventually prove too strong to resist.
