Jurgen Klopp’s time as Liverpool manager may be long gone, but an intriguing update has emerged regarding other clubs that looked to snap him up.
The German is a legendary figure at Anfield, sealing Champions League and Premier League glory during his time there, winning many other trophies, too.
Since then, Klopp has worked as global head of soccer with Red Bull, but his agent Marc Kosicke has claimed that the 58-year-old was wanted by Chelsea and Manchester United before taking the job, with quotes provided by This Is Anfield:
“Before joining Red Bull, Jurgen could have coached the USA or England. Probably Germany too, if Julian Nagelsmann hadn’t already been there. Even Chelsea and Manchester United inquired, although Jurgen had clearly stated that he would not coach any other club in England. These inquiries haven’t stopped.
“At the moment, I don’t see that happening, because he’s very happy with his new role and in this environment. He’s also found a kindred spirit in Mario Gomez (Technical Director at Red Bull).
“Mario used to hate Jurgen because he stole two league titles and a DFB Cup from him. And Jurgen, in turn, would have loved to have Mario on his team. The two of them make a great combination today. Mario believes that Jurgen often says things he himself thinks.
“Maybe he’ll say again someday that he needs to smell the locker room again, but right now, as I said, he’s very, very happy in his role.”
Jurgen Klopp would never manage Chelsea or Man Utd
This is an update that may intrigue Liverpool supporters, with Klopp saying last year that he has no intention of returning to management after many gruelling years in the dugout:
“I don’t want to work as a coach anymore. That’s what I think. But you don’t know. I’m 58. If I started again at 65, everybody will say, ‘you said you’ll never do it again!’ Er, sorry, I thought 100 percent [when I said it]! That is what I think now. I don’t miss anything.”
While there is a chance that Klopp could go back on that decision eventually – it is easy to envisage him taking charge of the German national team – he would surely never move to Chelsea or United.
He has too much love and respect for Liverpool to do that, especially when it comes to the Red Devils, knowing how it could affect his legacy.