Jurgen Klopp speaks out on replacing Gareth Southgate and hints when he may return

Jurgen Klopp has dismissed any speculation about him taking up the England job, stating he has no plans to return to football management at present. The ex-Liverpool manager, who led the Reds to numerous victories including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, the Club World Cup and two League Cups during his nine-year tenure, shocked fans when he announced his departure from Anfield in May.

His decision to step down, announced in January, was met with widespread surprise as Klopp expressed his desire for a break after nearly 23 years of continuous managerial work. Despite leaving Liverpool, rumours have persisted linking him to various roles, including succeeding Gareth Southgate as England boss following Southgate’s exit post-Euro 2024.

However, Klopp has firmly denied any interest in these or any other positions, choosing instead to savour his time away from the spotlight. Speaking at the International Coaches’ Congress in Wurzburg, Germany, Klopp stated: “At the moment, there is nothing at all in terms of jobs. No club, no country,” adding that it would be the biggest embarrassment in football history if he were to say, ‘I’ll make an exception for you now’.

“I’m going to do some work. I’m too young to only do padel tennis and grandchildren. Will that be coaching again? I would actually rule that out at the moment. Let’s see what it will look like in a few months. Nothing is coming through at the moment.”

With Graham Potter, Eddie Howe, Lee Carsley, and Mauricio Pochettino earmarked as frontrunners for the England managerial position, Klopp has echoed his disinterest in returning to any coaching role for now.

“As of today, that’s it for me as a coach. I didn’t quit on a whim, but it was a general decision. I’ve also coached the best clubs in the world,” he added.

“Maybe we can talk about it again in a few months. I still want to work in football and help people with my experience and contacts. Let’s see what else there is for me.”