Jurgen Klopp emphasises the necessity of a hiatus from football to rejuvenate his energy, signaling a potential departure after eight demanding years at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s plan to take a year away from football after leaving Liverpool in the summer is set to be tested by an offer to coach Germany after the Euros.
Highlighting the need for a respite after an energy-draining tenure at Anfield, Klopp contemplates the possibility of a permanent departure from the sport.
Despite his intentions, Klopp emerges as a natural candidate to lead Germany’s national team on home soil. DFB vice-president Ronny Zimmermann discloses that the 56-year-old, formerly in charge of Borussia Dortmund, could be considered for the role as Julian Nagelsmann’s contract concludes following the tournament’s conclusion.
Zimmermann said: “I don’t think we need to talk about the fact that Jurgen Klopp is a brilliant coach. We also don’t have to talk about the fact that he could also be a candidate for national coach.
“But the time for making wishes like these was Christmas. After the European Championships we will talk about the national coach and not about what we might wish for. But I could well live with Jurgen Klopp, like many others I think.”
Nagelsmann assumed temporary leadership after parting ways with Bayern Munich following Hansi Flick’s dismissal, prompted by a swift exit just nine months into the role after a 4-1 home defeat by Japan.
During Flick’s tenure, Germany suffered elimination from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar during the group stages—the first instance since 1938 that they were ousted in the initial phase.
Jurgen Klopp originally planned a 12-month break after departing Dortmund in 2015. However, Liverpool’s approach just five months later lured him to Anfield. Klopp is resolute this time about adhering to his plan for an extended hiatus, even if approached by his home country.
Xabi Alonso, a former Reds’ midfielder, stands as the leading candidate to succeed Klopp. While Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro denies contract clauses allowing Alonso to join Liverpool, Real Madrid, or Bayern Munich, a verbal agreement suggests his readiness for a new challenge.
In less than two seasons as a coach, Alonso has built a significant reputation, leading Leverkusen into Europe and posing a threat to Bayern’s Bundesliga title aspirations with an 18-game unbeaten start.
Manchester City sees Alonso as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola and once considered him as an assistant when Mikel Arteta left for Arsenal.
Arteta, aspiring to become a No. 1 sooner, recognised that a stint at the Etihad could impact his long-term prospects of returning to Liverpool.
In other Liverpool news, Jamie Carragher Reveals Who He’d Love to Take Over from Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool After Exit Announcement