The controversial Premier League offers Jürgen Klopp turned down after leaving Liverpool
Two of Liverpool’s biggest rivals pushed to hire Klopp, but the former Reds boss refused to cross the Premier League divide.
After announcing he would leave Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season, Jürgen Klopp immediately drew interest from clubs and national teams around the world, including the U.S., England, and Germany. While Liverpool moved on with Arne Slot, one of soccer’s most charismatic managers packed his bags at Anfield, leaving his next steps uncertain for months. Then, in October 2024, Red Bull came calling.
His much-debated move as Red Bull’s global football director gave him a chance to reclaim a normal life. “In nearly 25 years, I’ve been to two weddings: mine and one two months ago. In 25 years, I’ve been to the movies four times, all in the last eight weeks,” Klopp told The Athletic in September 2025.
“It would be the greatest loss of prestige in football history...”
Jürgen Klopp in 2024, on the possibility of coaching the English national team
Top clubs and national teams come calling
Even elite European clubs such as Real Madrid and Roma tried to lure Klopp back to coaching. Yet, when asked about taking over England’s national team, Klopp was adamant. “Some people must not have heard me say I want a break. It would be the biggest loss of prestige in football history if I made an exception with the English national team,” he said. It was clear he needed a pause, and any potential return would take him away from the Premier League.
On the day he said goodbye to Liverpool fans in January 2024, Klopp declared, “What I do know for sure is that I will never manage a team in England other than Liverpool.”
Revealing the offers Klopp rejected
It was Klopp’s agent, Marc Kosicke, who later confirmed the high-profile offers his client had on the table during that farewell season, particularly from English clubs.
“Before signing with Red Bull, Jürgen could have coached the USA or England. Probably also Germany, if Julian Nagelsmann hadn’t already been there. Even Chelsea and Manchester United inquired, although Jürgen had clearly stated that he would not coach any other club in England. These inquiries keep coming,” Kosicke told Transfermarkt.
That summer, Mauricio Pochettino took over the U.S. men’s national team after leaving Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Maresca stepping in at Chelsea. Gareth Southgate stepped down from England after losing the Euro 2024 final to Spain, while Manchester United opted to stick with Erik ten Hag following a surprise FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
“Maybe at some point he’ll say he needs to smell the locker room again”
Marc Kosicke, Klopp's agent, speaking to Transfermarkt
Klopp: One of a rare breed
According to Kosicke, “Maybe at some point he’ll say he needs to smell the locker room again. But at the moment he’s very, very happy in his role. He’s extremely happy with what he’s achieved. And it’s still wonderful to go down in history as one of the few coaches who only managed three clubs and were never fired“.
Only Klopp knows if the summer of 2026 will mark his return to coaching, just as top clubs and national teams are once again exploring the manager market.
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