Jurgen Klopp Turns Down Four Major Management Opportunities—Here's What Made Him Say No
The representative of Jürgen Klopp has made a stunning revelation that his client turned down overtures from Manchester United, Chelsea, England and the United States national team following his departure from Liverpool during the 2024 summer window.
Following his announcement to conclude his nearly nine-year reign at Anfield, Klopp enjoyed a short hiatus from football before accepting the position of global football director for Red Bull's international network of clubs. While speculation continues regarding a potential return to the dugout, with Real Madrid consistently mentioned as eager suitors, both Klopp and his representative Marc Kosicke have repeatedly emphasized that the 58-year-old remains satisfied in his current consultancy capacity.
However, during those uncertain summer months of 2024, a competitive lineup of potential employers emerged seeking the services of the Premier League and Champions League-winning manager.
"Prior to his Red Bull appointment, Jürgen had opportunities to manage the United States or England. Most likely Germany as well, had Julian Nagelsmann not already been in position," Kosicke revealed to Transfermarkt. "Both Chelsea and Manchester United made inquiries, despite Jürgen's clear declaration that he wouldn't manage another English club."
The Sliding Doors in Summer 2024
The Sliding Doors in Summer 2024
Manchester United
Manchester United
On May 19, 2024, Klopp managed his last game as Liverpool's head coach, a mundane 2–0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers that ended with the German tactician initiating the inaugural chant for his replacement, Arne Slot, at Anfield. Five days afterward, The Guardian disclosed that Manchester United had resolved to dismiss Erik ten Hag irrespective of the FA Cup final outcome, following their drop to eighth place in the Premier League—the club's poorest top-division showing since 1990. The Red Devils ultimately reversed course.
United surprisingly claimed the Wembley trophy, decisively beating crosstown rivals Manchester City with a display of tactical adaptability and skill that had been woefully absent throughout the preceding season. While that triumph portrayed Ten Hag more favorably, it didn't prevent United from conducting interviews with numerous potential replacements.
Thomas Frank was reportedly among the candidates being evaluated, alongside figures like Thomas Tuchel and Marco Silva. And according to Kosicke's disclosure, Klopp was apparently included. However, as the agent emphasized, his client had made it crystal clear he wouldn't join another Premier League outfit, especially not one of Liverpool's most bitter traditional rivals.
Klopp wasn't the only one to decline United's advances, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's leadership team eventually chose to retain Ten Hag while offering him a contract extension. The decision proved unsuccessful.
Chelsea
Chelsea
Following a rotation of four managers (including interim appointments) during BlueCo's inaugural ownership season, Chelsea's quick-to-act executives managed to allow Mauricio Pochettino to complete the full 2023–24 season undisturbed. When May arrived, the club felt compelled to act—and it seemed the Argentine manager wasn't inclined to resist.
As Enzo Maresca would later learn, satisfying all five sporting directors plus the collection of involved owners at Stamford Bridge presents significant challenges. Considering Klopp's dissatisfaction with Liverpool's transfer management structure near the end of his time there, multiple factors may have influenced his decision to reject Chelsea's approaches.