Jurgen Klopp 'rejects offer' for first job since Liverpool as former Man Utd ace ignored

Jurgen Klopp has reportedly turned down the opportunity to manage the United States national team after being sounded out for initial talks. The former Liverpool boss has been enjoying his free time since waving an emotional goodbye to the Reds at the end of last season.

Earlier this week, Klopp was linked with a surprise move across the Atlantic to replace Gregg Berhalter as manager of the United States national team. He has since turned down the opportunity after being approached by intermediaries to gauge his interest in the role, according to The Athletic.

It is said that Klopp was sounded out for talks last week but politely declined to take things further, reiterating his desire to take a break from management. However, the report adds that US Soccer bosses are still keen on the idea of making him their next head coach.

Berhalter was sacked by the United States on Wednesday following their group stage exit at this summer’s Copa America. They are currently on the lookout for a new manager to lead them into the next World Cup, which will be held on home soil with matches also being played in Canada and Mexico.

The news of Klopp’s rejection comes after former Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard urged him to consider taking charge of the United States, insisting that he would be the ideal candidate for the role.

Writing in a recent column for the Daily Mail, Howard said: “I know Klopp has only been retired a few weeks and I know he wants a break, but if we sat around his villa in Spain, I think I could lure him over here.

“My pitch would be simple. He has a young group of players who can play progressive, front-foot soccer, exactly like his Liverpool teams, and in two years’ time he can go to the biggest World Cup in history. Plus, it’s international soccer, so there’s no need to be on the training ground every day.

“He doesn’t even have to worry about qualification. That’s what I would do if I was running US Soccer, anyway. It’s a risk, of course. No doubt some coaches will look at the US and see a payday and a comfy life, so you can’t just go for any big-name boss.

“You need someone with high expectations, a clear vision and a clear path. Someone who is demanding of themselves as well as their team. Someone like Jurgen Klopp.”