Jurgen Klopp is closing in on a return to management with the legendary Liverpool boss in line to take charge of Germany
VANCOUVER, CANADA - JULY 07: Jurgen Klopp attends the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Switzerland and Colombia at BC Place Vancouver on July 07, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp attends the World Cup 2026 round of 16 match between Switzerland and Colombia at BC Place Vancouver on July 07, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada(Image: Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Liverpool legend John Barnes believes Jurgen Klopp's stint as the head coach of Germany could mark the end of his managerial career.
Klopp, who won the Champions League and Premier League as Liverpool boss as part of seven honours across a nine-year stay, is closing in on a return to the dugout having left Anfield two years ago.
The iconic German has served as Red Bull's global head of soccer since early 2025 but is expected to become the next coach of his national side after Julian Nagelsmann stepped down following their exit from the World Cup at the last-32 stage at the start of last week.
Barnes, who last week was voted No.5 in the list of Liverpool's 100 greatest players on official club channels, thinks Klopp may be climbing back into the saddle for the final time.
The former England winger also reckons the 59-year-old is better suited to club football than international coaching, telling Betfred: “Well it depends on how long he plans to work with Germany.
"He’s obviously going to be with them for the next four years and he’ll be 63 by then, so you don’t know if he will want to move back into club management after that.
“Jurgen is a manager that needs to completely influence all of his players in terms of his style, philosophy, attitude and commitment. Most international managers don’t do that.
"Most international players are influenced by their club managers, so there are certain managers suited to club football and some to international and I’ve always thought that Jurgen is better suited to club football.
"Jurgen’s character will inspire those Germany players, but only time will tell how successful he is with them.”
Klopp confirmed last week he is talks with the DFB (German FA) over succeeding Nagelsmann, who stepped down after a penalty-shoot-out loss to Paraguay.
“Yes, I can confirm the talks," Klopp told Magenta. "Things moved pretty quickly. Julian stepped down. The DFB (German FA) are looking for a successor. And they’re talking to me.
“What needs to happen now? Time. I’m under contract with Red Bull. I’ve said I’m interested in the talks. They will be intensive because this isn’t only about Julian Nagelsmann.
"I have an existing contract with Red Bull. I've said many times how much I enjoy this job. As a person, I usually honour contracts. But I've also made it clear that I'm interested in talks with the DFB.
“I also have to speak with (Red Bull CEO) Oliver Mintzlaff. He’s my employer. We’ve already touched on a few things. I assume he won’t stand in the way. I’ve been there for 19 months. It was an intense time.
“I’m ready. Once the talks begin, your mind starts racing. We have to change things fundamentally.
"There will have to be intensive discussions, because, of course, the problems we currently have cannot be pinned only on Julian Nagelsmann.
"Julian is an exceptional coach, and he will be able to prove that time and again throughout his coaching career."