Jurgen Klopp turned down approaches from Manchester United and Chelsea after leaving Liverpool in the summer of 2024, according to his agent Marc Kosicke. The 58 year old German manager, who ended a near nine year spell at Anfield, also declined opportunities to manage at international level despite significant interest.
Kosicke confirmed that both United and Chelsea made contact as they searched for managerial solutions. At the time, Chelsea had dismissed Mauricio Pochettino, while United were evaluating alternatives to Erik ten Hag. Klopp ultimately chose not to engage, having publicly stated he would not manage another English club after Liverpool.
Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool in early 2024, citing burnout after almost a decade in charge on Merseyside. During his tenure, he restored the club’s status as a domestic and European force, delivering major honours including the Premier League and Champions League titles.
Following his exit, speculation immediately linked him with several elite vacancies. Both Manchester United and Chelsea were undergoing transitional phases, prompting reports that Klopp was viewed as a potential transformative appointment.
When Klopp stepped away from Liverpool, the managerial landscape in England was unstable. Chelsea had parted ways with Pochettino after a turbulent campaign. Manchester United were assessing the future of Erik ten Hag amid inconsistent performances and mounting pressure.
Kosicke revealed that interest was not confined to club football. Klopp was also considered a viable candidate for the England national team role, particularly as uncertainty surrounded Gareth Southgate’s future. The German national team could also have been an option, though Julian Nagelsmann’s appointment limited that pathway.
According to Kosicke, inquiries from English clubs continued despite Klopp’s clear stance. The agent indicated that even after publicly ruling out another role in England, contact from Chelsea and Manchester United persisted.
Klopp instead opted to step away from frontline coaching. He later took on a strategic role within the Red Bull football structure, marking a significant shift from day to day management.
Kosicke emphasized that Klopp remains satisfied with his achievements and current position. The agent suggested that while a return to the dugout is not imminent, the possibility cannot be entirely dismissed in the long term.
The most decisive moment came during the summer reshuffle of 2024. Chelsea were actively searching for a successor to Pochettino, while United’s leadership conducted internal reviews regarding Ten Hag’s position.
Despite both clubs’ stature and resources, Klopp maintained his position. His earlier declaration that he would not coach another English side proved definitive. That stance effectively removed him from consideration during a pivotal managerial market.
Chelsea eventually appointed Enzo Maresca. He went on to win the Conference League and Club World Cup before being dismissed in January, underlining the volatility Klopp chose to avoid.
In the months following his departure, Klopp’s absence from elite club management shifted the balance of power in European football. Several clubs continued to monitor his status, particularly amid struggles at traditional powerhouses.
His agent’s remarks suggest that Klopp’s reputation remains intact across both club and international circles. However, the former Liverpool manager appears focused on a less intense professional chapter.
Kosicke indicated that interest in Klopp has not faded and that future opportunities may still emerge. While he remains committed to his current role, the possibility of a return to coaching has not been definitively ruled out.
Klopp’s rejection of Manchester United and Chelsea underscores the strength of his commitment to Liverpool and his personal priorities after leaving Anfield. It also highlights the ongoing demand for elite managerial leadership in European football.
For now, Klopp remains outside the touchline spotlight. But as managerial instability continues across top leagues, his name is unlikely to disappear from speculation for long.
