Jurgen Klopp has a clear rejection of the England job
Humorous and self-ironic: At the trainer's congress in Würzburg, Jürgen Klopp entertains. He's reluctant to say much about England's football at the Euros, fearing the British press, but he's more than happy to chat about Germany's coach, Julian Nagelsmann.
After his witty speech, Jürgen Klopp even took a jab at FC Bayern. When the private citizen in shorts and an unbuttoned shirt ruled out any possibility of becoming England's national coach, he jokingly called for his lawyer when asked about a potential role at the German record champions. "I've already coached the best clubs in the world. Just saying that doesn't make it likely that I'll get another offer from Bayern," said the 57-year-old, to laughter from the roughly 1000 attendees at the International Trainer's Congress in Würzburg. He laughed along heartily.
Klopp, grinning, fit the image of a completely relaxed man who, after nearly nine years at the big FC Liverpool, doesn't need a new coaching job right now. For the time after his one-year break, he announced: "I'll do something. I'm too young to just play Padel tennis and spend time with my grandchildren. Whether that's coaching again? I'd actually rule that out at the moment."
Life without a training pitch and scheduled commitments feels good and liberating to Klopp. "I do a lot of sports. I spend a lot of time with my family and grandchildren. The biggest difference is: Now I'm 100% present. If I had a job, I'd be restless, waiting for my phone to buzz - probably because the team doctor was calling," said Klopp.
Klopp, the Star Among Trainers
Klopp's break has only just begun. "I haven't even started making proper vacation plans yet," the coach revealed. During the lively Q&A session that lasted over 60 minutes, Klopp lined up jokes one after another. As the star trainer entered the festive hall to conclude the three-day congress, rows of trainers held up their phones to take photos and videos. Klopp hasn't given an interview in three months, so that's likely to continue for now.
From the podium, where Klopp sat with a tanned complexion and crossed legs, the guest of honor doled out greetings and messages in all directions. His opening statement, "I don't create headlines on purpose," didn't have much of an impact in the intimate setting among trainers who listened almost reverently and often amused.
Klopp called himself the "record silver medal holder" in Champions League finals and firmly declined a potential job as England's national coach. When asked what kind of offers his agent, Marc Kosicke, was currently forwarding to him, Klopp replied: "Nothing. Nothing job-wise. No club, no country. Some people must not have heard that." And the Three Lions? "That would be the biggest face-loss in football history if I said I'd make an exception for you."
Enthusiastic About Julian Nagelsmann
Klopp even talked about the 2026 World Cup, but not about how he would lead a team from the sidelines in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Instead, he spoke about how he sees himself as a fan of the German team under coach Julian Nagelsmann. "I loved how Julian said we'll be world champions in two years. I jumped out of my seat and said, 'We'll be world champions in two years, and I'll be watching!'" said Klopp.
For England, who are seeking a successor to Gareth Southgate after finishing as runners-up in the Euros, Klopp had no such praise. "No comment on England, as the press is here," he said, humorously pointing to the "Daily Mail," which he assumed had also made the long journey to Franconia. Ironically, he then added about the largely lackluster performances of Harry Kane and his teammates: "They've done a fantastic job." After a panel discussion with colleagues like Belgium's national coach Domenico Tedesco and his close friend David Wagner, the much-applauded star guest wanted to head to the airport. Klopp is on vacation.
Despite his humorous refusal to consider coaching England or Bayern Munich, Klopp expressed his enthusiasm for Germany's coach, Julian Nagelsmann, predicting they'll become world champions within two years. During the congress, the attendees showed their admiration for the charismatic coach by taking photos and videos of him.
During the Q&A session, Klopp spoke about enjoying his break from coaching, doing sports, spending time with his family, and being 100% present without scheduled commitments. He also joked about being the "record silver medal holder" in Champions League finals and declined an offer as England's national coach.
