Jurgen Klopp 'doesn't miss Liverpool job' as German shares what he's been up to

It seems that Jurgen Klopp is enjoying life away from the frenzied pressures of the Premier League. In his latest interview since leaving his role as Liverpool manager, the German has insisted he doesn’t miss being in charge of the Reds, and says he’s enjoyed a “brilliant” first summer away from football since 2015.

The 57-year-old attended Euro 2024 as a fan this summer, and was also seen at the Champions League final between Real Madrid and former club Borussia Dortmund. 

And despite being linked with a series of new roles, he appears in no hurry to cut short his sabbatical. 

Speaking to ESPN, he conceded that he did miss the players and staff at Anfield, but not the job as manager. Pressed on his thoughts on current captain Virgil van Dijk, he said: “Unbelievable player, unbelievable guy. I miss them, I don’t miss the job I miss all the people.”

And he implied he might eventually return to Merseyside to visit his former charges, as well as the fans who gave him an emotional farewell following the win over Wolves in May. “We can see each other whenever we want in the future,” he added.

Despite claiming he was “fully charged” again after his time off, Klopp clarified that he isn’t yet ready to return to the game. And he gave an insight into his new life, that at this time of year would usually have consisted of pre-season training and transfer negotiations.  

“Fully charged, but I didn’t say I can go again,” he said. “It’s just, I’m in a good mood? Yeah. Life is different if we are not responsible for these kind of things, so I really enjoy that.

“Brilliant summer so far. You have to organise the time off as well, because a lot of people want to meet you and stuff like that. So we had to calm down a little bit, but we are fine. We have spent now three proper weeks with the grandkids and the kids together. It was beautiful.”

Klopp did admit he was still keeping a close eye on football, especially Red Bull Salzburg where former assistant Pep Ljinders is now in charge. He was also full of praise for Arne Slot’s early impact at Liverpool, lauding the pre-season with over Sevilla and the second half display at Ipswich last Saturday.

In his nine-and-a-half year stint in charge, Klopp led Liverpool to the Champions League title in 2019, the Premier League in 2020, as well as an FA Cup and two League Cup triumphs. And after announcing his departure, he vowed to take a year out of football before considering a new role.

He’s so far stuck to his word. Klopp has also revealed he’ll be using his break to work on two housing projects, having brought new properties in Germany and at his family’s favourite holiday destination in Mallorca.