Rio Ferdinand hits nail on the head explaining why Jurgen Klopp didn't want England job

Rio Ferdinand reckons Jurgen Klopp would have declined the England job due to his close ties with Liverpool. Though a German has taken up the mantle of permanent Three Lions boss, it isn’t Klopp but rather Thomas Tuchel, who has signed an 18-month contract starting on January 1.

Klopp’s name was quickly linked to the role after Gareth Southgate’s resignation in the wake of the Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain. However, Manchester United legend Ferdinand didn’t see Klopp as a viable option given he’d cited tiredness as a key reason for quitting Liverpool after nine successful years in charge.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents, he said: “Who else was available? Klopp comes out of Liverpool, but I don’t think he was quite gettable.”

“I don’t think he would have wanted to rub it in the face of Liverpool fans, who he’s got a wonderful relationship with after all those years. He left under the circumstances of saying he was tired and there were personal issues going on, then jumps into the England job straight away – I don’t think that was going to happen.”

Klopp, while stepping away from front-line management, has recently been named Red Bull’s global head of soccer, which is more of a mentoring and advisory role. According to reports, he has a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave to become Germany manager.

“After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this,” he said. “The role may have changed but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not.

“By joining Red Bull at a global level, I want to develop, improve and support the incredible football talent that we have at our disposal. There are many ways that we can do this front using the elite knowledge and experience that Red Bull possesses to learning from other sports and other industries. Together we can discover what is possible.

“I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs but ultimately, I am one part of an organisation that is unique, innovative and forward-looking.”

Red Bull owns German side RB Leipzig, Austrian outfit Red Bull Salzburg, MLS side New York Red Bulls and Brazilian clubs Red Bull Bragantino and Red Bull Brasil. It is also the shirt sponsor of Leeds after buying a minority stake in the Championship club earlier this year.