The managerial landscape of European football continues to reveal the high demand for Jürgen Klopp, even as the German continues in his advisory role with Red Bull. His agent, Marc Kosicke, has disclosed that both Manchester United and Chelsea made inquiries about Klopp’s availability following his departure from Liverpool in May 2024. The revelation, reported by multiple outlets including ESPN and the Daily Mail, adds another layer to the narrative surrounding Klopp’s future and the intense competition for top coaching talent.
Kosicke’s comments, made in an interview with Transfermarkt, detailed approaches not only from the Premier League giants but also from the England national team and the United States Men’s National Team. “Before joining Red Bull, Jürgen could have coached the United States or England. Probably also Germany, if Julian Nagelsmann hadn’t already been there,” Kosicke stated. He further emphasized that Klopp had “clearly stated that he would not coach any other club in England,” despite inquiries from both United and Chelsea.
However, both Manchester United and Chelsea have publicly denied making formal approaches to Klopp. The Press Association reports that both clubs strongly refute claims of any contact, either directly or through intermediaries. This discrepancy between Kosicke’s account and the clubs’ statements raises questions about the nature of the “inquiries” mentioned, potentially ranging from informal feelers to more concrete offers that were quickly dismissed.
The timing of these alleged approaches is significant. The USMNT were in the process of finding a replacement for Gregg Berhalter, ultimately appointing Mauricio Pochettino in September 2024. Similarly, the Football Association was searching for a successor to Gareth Southgate, eventually landing on Thomas Tuchel in January 2025. ESPN reported in 2024 that both national teams had indeed sought out Klopp, but were rebuffed. Kosicke’s account suggests that Klopp was a leading candidate for both positions before opting for his current role with Red Bull.
Klopp’s nine-year tenure at Liverpool cemented his status as one of the most successful managers in the club’s history, delivering a Premier League title, a Champions League crown, and numerous other trophies. His decision to step down at the end of the 2023-24 season surprised many, but he has consistently expressed contentment with his current position. “Maybe at some point he’ll say he needs to smell the locker room again. But at the moment he’s very, very happy in his role,” Kosicke explained, suggesting that a return to frontline management is not currently on Klopp’s agenda.
Despite his current satisfaction, Klopp hasn’t entirely ruled out a future return to the touchline. In an October interview with the Diary of a CEO podcast, he acknowledged the possibility of managing again, specifically mentioning a potential return to Liverpool. “I said I will never coach a different team in England. So that means if [Klopp returns] it’s Liverpool,” he stated. However, he also expressed a lack of desire for the demands of the job, stating, “I don’t miss standing in the rain two-and-a-half, three hours. I don’t miss going to press conference three times a week.”
The interest from major clubs and national teams underscores Klopp’s enduring appeal and the respect he commands within the footballing world. His ability to build successful teams, coupled with his charismatic personality, makes him a highly sought-after figure. The fact that he turned down opportunities with some of the biggest names in the game speaks volumes about his priorities and his commitment to his current role.
Kosicke also highlighted Klopp’s unique achievement of having managed only three clubs – Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool – throughout his career, and never being fired by any of them. “It’s still wonderful to go down in history as one of the few coaches who only managed three clubs and were never fired,” he said. This record further solidifies Klopp’s legacy as a managerial icon.
The situation serves as a reminder of the constant cycle of change and ambition within elite football. While Klopp appears settled in his current position, the pursuit of his services by leading clubs demonstrates the ongoing demand for proven winners and influential figures in the game. The coming months and years will reveal whether he ultimately succumbs to the lure of the touchline once more, or continues to shape the future of football from his advisory role at Red Bull.
