Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager, has emphatically ruled out a return to coaching in the near future, including for the vacant England job. Speaking at a German Football Coaches Association meeting, Klopp declared, “As of today, that’s it for me as a coach.”
Klopp’s decision to step down as Liverpool boss at the end of the 2023-24 season was met with surprise and speculation about his next move. However, the 57-year-old has made it clear that he is not interested in returning to the dugout anytime soon.
“I didn’t decide to stop on a whim, it was a general decision,” Klopp explained. “I’m looking for peace and quiet, I’m one hundred percent in the here and now and I’m enjoying it.”
Klopp emphasized that his decision was not a reflection of any specific job offer or opportunity. “It was just time to step aside and put the whole thing to rest,” he said. “Making a special exception for a club or country would be a great loss of face.”
Despite his retirement from coaching, Klopp expressed his desire to remain involved in football in some capacity. “I’m too young to just play padel tennis and spend time with my grandchildren,” he said. “Will I be a coach again? I would actually rule that out at the moment. Let’s see how it looks in a few months.”
Klopp’s illustrious coaching career began at Mainz, where he played 325 games before taking over as coach in 2001. He moved to Dortmund in 2008, winning two league titles and reaching the 2013 Champions League final. In 2015, he joined Liverpool, where he ended the club’s 30-year wait for the Premier League title and led them to three Champions League finals, winning one.
Klopp’s decision to step away from coaching has been met with respect and understanding from the football world. His legacy as one of the most successful and influential managers of his generation is secure.
