In a fascinating revelation about the Football Association's managerial pursuits, it has emerged that Pep Guardiola, not Jurgen Klopp, was the primary target for the England national team job. While Klopp's agent recently suggested interest from England, alongside clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United, the reality shows Guardiola was significantly closer to securing the role.
The Klopp Connection and Agent Claims
Jurgen Klopp's agent, Marc Kosicke, ignited speculation by stating that the former Liverpool manager could have coached England, the USA, or Germany after leaving Anfield in summer 2024. In an interview with German website Transfermarkt, Kosicke mentioned enquiries from Chelsea and Manchester United, though Klopp had ruled out coaching another English club. However, both clubs have denied making formal offers, highlighting the nuanced difference between an enquiry and a job offer.
Timing and Klopp's Stance
Klopp himself distanced from the England role, emphasizing his need for a break after Liverpool. He famously remarked that taking the job would be "the biggest loss of face in the history of football," citing his commitment to a hiatus before joining Red Bull. This timing misalignment meant the FA's interest never progressed beyond initial discussions, despite headlines and public curiosity.
Guardiola: The Premier League Prize
Contrary to popular belief, Pep Guardiola was the figure the Football Association actively pursued. In October 2024, Guardiola admitted his future was "not decided," prompting the FA to reach out. Appointing the Manchester City manager would have been an incredible coup in international football, aligning with the FA's desire for a big-name Premier League coach. Guardiola's allure made him the top target, though he ultimately remained elusive, similar to other high-profile managers in history.
Historical Precedents of Missed Opportunities
Guardiola joins a list of managerial greats who turned down England, including Sir Alex Ferguson, who revealed in his book that he declined the role twice in 1999 and 2001. Arsene Wenger also rejected it before Sven Goran Eriksson's appointment in 2001, with jokes suggesting former Arsenal vice chairman David Dein preferred Eriksson to retain Wenger at club level. Similarly, Jose Mourinho recalled having the job offer "on the table" before Fabio Capello took over in 2007, but he chose to focus on club football.
Tuchel's Appointment and Future
With Guardiola and Klopp out of reach, the FA turned to Thomas Tuchel, who has since proven a successful choice. Tuchel recently signed a two-year extension until 2028, solidifying his role after a strong start. This outcome underscores the FA's strategic shift towards securing a proven manager, even if their initial top targets remained unattainable.
The inside story reveals a complex web of enquiries, timing issues, and high-stakes negotiations, highlighting how close England came to landing one of football's biggest names before settling on a capable alternative.
