Liverpool fans are ecstatic about Jurgen Klopp's confirmed return to Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp, Red Bull's new "Global Head of Soccer" is interviewed at a press presentation in Salzburg, Austria on January 14, 2025.
Jurgen Klopp previously spoke about a future role at Liverpool(Image: KERSTIN JOENSSON/AFP via Getty Images)
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Jurgen Klopp had already hinted towards an Anfield comeback before Liverpool announced his one-off return to the dugout. The legendary former Reds manager will act as Sir Kenny Dalglish’s assistant coach when the Liverpool Legends face Klopp’s former club Borussia Dortmund in a charity match for the LFC Foundation in March.
The fixture will see Steven Gerrard captain the Reds at Anfield, with all proceeds going to the club’s official charity. Klopp, who left Liverpool in the summer of 2024, is the Foundation’s honorary ambassador, with the March 28 fixture marking his highly-anticipated return to his former stomping ground.
While news of his cameo will no doubt delight Liverpool fans, it will also be a bittersweet moment for many knowing it’s just for one game. However, the German, who is now Red Bull’s global Head of Soccer, has previously hinted at a more official and long-term return.
When Klopp announced in January 2024 he would be leaving the club at the end of that season, he cited fatigue in terms of keeping up the same intensity after so many years as a top manager as the key reason.
Amid rumours concerning Arne Slot’s potential departure last year, however, Klopp didn’t rule out taking a job at Liverpool in the future. Appearing on the Diary of a CEO podcast, he explained: "I said I will never coach a different team in England so that means, if [I did return], then it's Liverpool."
Offering a glimmer of hope when asked if he would ever go back, he admitted in three words: "Theoretically, it’s possible."
However, that will likely not be in a managerial capacity. Opening up on his decision to walk away from coaching after nearly 25 years, Klopp previously told Welt: "I don't want it [to be a manager] anymore. I now have a job that fulfils me and is also intense. I don't sleep longer in the morning and I don't go to bed later in the evening but I can organise my work much better.
Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool, celebrates towards the fans following the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Liverpool FC at Gtech Community Stadium on February 17, 2024 in Brentford, England.
Jurgen Klopp is coming back to Anfield(Image: Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
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"My wife, for example, is totally happy with it because we can plan things much better that we couldn't plan before. For me, it was never about not doing anything anymore, but about doing something else. I've coached 1081 games, and that's not including the friendly matches. If we add those from 23 years, we might come to 1200.
"Then the press conferences, the media appointments. I always just reacted. And in Liverpool there were also the tasks as manager. That was a lot, a lot."
It is entirely conceivable the rapturous applause and adoration the 58-year-old is set to receive from the Kop upon his return will reawaken something deep inside and potentially fuel his passion to return to Liverpool in some capacity.
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