Jurgen Klopp's representative has made startling claims that both Manchester United and Chelsea made formal approaches for the German manager immediately following his emotional departure from Liverpool at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. Marc Kosicke, who serves as Klopp's long-time agent, also suggested that the Football Association seriously considered the former Anfield boss for the England national team position before ultimately appointing Thomas Tuchel.
Premier League Giants Reportedly Made Inquiries
Speaking exclusively to Transfermarkt, Kosicke revealed that despite Klopp's public declaration that he would not coach any other English club after leaving Liverpool, approaches still arrived from two of the Premier League's biggest institutions. "Even Chelsea and Manchester United inquired, although Jurgen had clearly stated that he would not coach any other club in England," Kosicke stated. "These inquiries keep coming, demonstrating the high regard in which he is held throughout the football world."
Clubs Vehemently Deny Contact
However, The Press Association understands that both Manchester United and Chelsea strongly refute having made any contact with Klopp or his representatives following his Liverpool exit. Club sources indicate no formal or informal approaches were made, either directly to Klopp himself or through intermediary agents. This creates a significant discrepancy between the agent's claims and the official position of both Premier League clubs.
England National Team Opportunity
Kosicke further elaborated that Klopp was a serious candidate for international management positions, specifically mentioning the England national team role that eventually went to Thomas Tuchel in January 2025. "Before joining Red Bull, Jurgen could have coached the USA or England," the agent revealed. "Probably also Germany, if Julian Nagelsmann hadn't already been there."
He specified that the United States Soccer Federation approached Klopp before ultimately appointing Mauricio Pochettino in September 2024, while the Football Association considered him before selecting Tuchel as Gareth Southgate's permanent successor. The FA has been approached for comment regarding these specific claims about their managerial recruitment process.
Klopp's Current Contentment and Future Prospects
Despite these numerous reported approaches, Kosicke emphasized that Klopp is currently "very, very happy" in his new role as head of global football with Red Bull. The German manager spent nine transformative years at Liverpool after successful spells with Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, establishing himself as one of the most respected figures in world football.
"He's extremely happy with what he's achieved," Kosicke said of his client's career trajectory. "And it's still wonderful to go down in history as one of the few coaches who only managed three clubs and were never fired."
Potential Return to Management
While Klopp appears content in his current administrative position, his agent hinted that a return to frontline management remains a possibility in the future. "Maybe at some point he'll say he needs to smell the locker room again," Kosicke suggested, indicating that the competitive fire that drove Klopp to Champions League and Premier League success with Liverpool might eventually draw him back to the dugout.
Tuchel, who secured the England position that Klopp was reportedly considered for, recently signed a new contract extension with the Football Association that will keep him in charge through until the Euro 2028 tournament. This long-term commitment suggests the FA has moved decisively beyond any consideration of alternative candidates for the national team role.
