Jurgen Klopp could make a return to management in the near future, following Germany's dismal World Cup campaign
Jurgen Klopp reacts during the penatly shoot out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay at Boston Stadium.
Jurgen Klopp is in the running for the Germany job(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp may be back in the dugout sooner rather than later following Germany's disappointing World Cup campaign. Julian Nagelsmann's men, who were among those considered capable of a deep run in this summer's tournament, were knocked out by Paraguay on penalties in the round of 32 on Monday.
Die Mannschaft's shock exit was the third in a string of disappointing World Cup campaigns for the Germans, who have not won a World Cup knockout game since winning the competition in Rio de Janeiro 12 years ago. On Friday, reports emerged that Nagelsmann will be stepping down, with Klopp touted as one of the favourites to replace him should he leave.
The 59-year-old, who is currently serving as the global head of football for Red Bull, stunned the footballing world by announcing in January 2024 that he would be leaving Anfield at the end of the 2023/24 season. Klopp cited a lack of energy as the primary reason for his departure and, at the time, suggested he might never manage again.
Despite the German's assertion, Miroslav Tanjga – who played with Klopp at Mainz – claims there are three jobs that could potentially tempt the 59-year-old back into the dugout.
"What Klopp told me when he left Liverpool was that he had two wishes: to be the coach of the national team and of Real Madrid," Tanjga said. He added: "I also know that he never saw himself as the coach of any other team in England, except Liverpool."
Indeed, Klopp himself confirmed the latter point on the Diary of a CEO podcast, saying: "I said I will never coach a different team in England, so that means, if [I did return], then it's Liverpool. Theoretically. It's possible."
Jurgen Klopp the manager of Liverpool and James Milner of Liverpool hugging during the Carabao Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp was Liverpool boss from 2015 to 2024(Image: Getty)
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The Merseyside club, however, are prioritising progression over nostalgia and swiftly confirmed the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new head coach in June, following the departure of Arne Slot four days earlier.
The same cannot be said for Real Madrid, who, following Florentino Perez's re-election as President, have reappointed Jose Mourinho as manager, 13 years after his initial spell at the club ended. Los Blancos will be hoping Mourinho can bring silverware back to the Spanish capital following an unprecedented two seasons without a trophy.
As such, only one option remains on Klopp's wishlist as the German FA looks to steady the ship following a third straight World Cup humiliation. An announcement was made over Nagelsmann's departure on Friday, with Klopp telling the German football association he wants the job.
"I've done a lot of thinking in the days since our elimination and have consulted with trusted individuals both personally and within the federation," Nagelsmann explained in a statement. "The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the team's success. After such a bitter disappointment, they deserve the chance for a fresh start. I want to thank my coaching staff, the support team, and everyone at the federation who supported us, especially the players with whom I had the privilege of working."
Jurgen Klopp following Germany's defeat by Paraguay
Jurgen Klopp following Germany's defeat by Paraguay(Image: Getty Images)
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For Nagelsmann, this was his second tournament in three years as Germany manager, with a combined total of one knockout-round victory in his tenure. Klopp turned down the chance to manage the German national team in 2023, deciding to oversee a rebuild on Merseyside following a miserable campaign for the Reds a year before.
The German departed Anfield a year later, but by then had missed his opportunity as Nagelsmann had already succeeded Hansi Flick.
Marc Kosicke, Klopp's agent, suggested that his client would find the opportunity difficult to turn down should it arise once more: "Jurgen feels very connected to this country. I don't think he feels he has to do it at least once. Rather, he feels a sense of obligation, that he couldn't always say no to the job."
Tanjga also believes that Klopp will one day take up the mantle: "At some point, I think he'll become the German coach."
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