Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has outlined a dramatic scenario in which Jurgen Klopp could make a sensational return to Anfield. This move would instantly place the current head coach, Arne Slot, under enormous pressure. Speaking to GOAL, Collymore suggested that while such a reunion may sound far-fetched, it cannot be completely dismissed given Liverpool’s history and Klopp’s enduring connection with the club.
Klopp stepped away from his Liverpool role in the summer of 2024 after nearly a decade in charge, passing the baton to Arne Slot. The Dutchman enjoyed a dream debut campaign by guiding the Reds to Premier League glory in his first season. Despite that success, Liverpool’s difficult follow-up campaign has reopened debate about whether Klopp could one day walk back through the doors at Anfield.
Klopp’s current stance on management
During his time on Merseyside, Klopp oversaw 491 matches, transforming Liverpool into one of Europe’s dominant forces. He delivered the club’s first league title in three decades, lifted major domestic trophies, and capped his reign with Champions League success. Few managers have left such a lasting imprint on Anfield.
However, Klopp chose to bring his tenure to an early conclusion, opting to step away from the relentless demands of management. Since then, the 58-year-old has taken on a senior executive role as Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer. On numerous occasions, Klopp has publicly insisted that he has no plans to return to the dugout in the near future.
Despite those repeated statements, his name continues to surface whenever a high-profile managerial conversation emerges. While Liverpool is not currently searching for a new coach, their struggles during the 2025-26 season — following a record-breaking transfer spend — have inevitably fuelled speculation about long-term leadership at the club.
Would Liverpool move if Klopp showed interest?
Collymore believes Liverpool would not hesitate if Klopp signalled a desire to return. Speaking in association with BetWright betting, he explained that the club’s long-standing philosophy could actually make such a move logical under the right circumstances.
“If he became available, I think Liverpool would go for him without hesitation,” Collymore said. “I can absolutely see it happening.”
He contrasted Liverpool’s approach with that of other Premier League giants, noting that the club has traditionally avoided constant managerial upheaval. While clubs like Chelsea — and increasingly Manchester United — have developed reputations for swift changes, Liverpool have tended to back their managers for the long term.
Collymore stressed that Slot’s first season success should not be overlooked. Winning the league without significant recruitment demonstrated his ability, even if the following campaign has proven far more challenging. Liverpool’s recent struggles, he argued, need to be viewed in the context of squad turnover and the bedding-in of expensive new signings.
The former striker suggested that Slot’s third season would be the true measuring stick. With major names such as Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike now settled, and the potential departure of long-time stars like Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s next phase would effectively represent “version 2.0” of Slot’s project.
Collymore believes Liverpool would only reconsider their position if Klopp made an extraordinary and explicit declaration. According to him, anything short of that would see Slot retain the club’s backing.
“If Jurgen came out and said, ‘I’m coming back to football, and Liverpool is the only club for me,’ that would absolutely grab the board’s attention,” Collymore explained. “But if he said he wanted a new challenge elsewhere, I don’t think Liverpool would pursue him.”
What would actually trigger Klopp’s return?
Collymore also pushed back against criticism aimed at Slot, particularly from online supporters who have questioned his credentials. He pointed out the contradiction in arguments that dismiss Slot’s league title as inheriting Klopp’s team, while also claiming the job was impossible due to Klopp’s departure.
Slot, Collymore argued, inherited a dressing room filled with strong personalities and expectations, yet still delivered immediate success. Now that he finally has players he likely approved of — including Wirtz, Isak and Ekitike — he deserves the chance to prove himself with a fully moulded squad.
For Collymore, the only scenario that would genuinely force Liverpool’s hand would involve a very public and decisive statement from Klopp himself.
“If Jurgen Klopp said on the back pages, ‘It’s Liverpool or nothing,’ then yes, they would act,” he said. “But if multiple clubs were circling and he wanted something different, Liverpool would stay the course with Arne Slot.”
Slot’s contract and the road ahead
Arne Slot remains under contract at Liverpool until 2027, meaning there is less than 18 months remaining on his current deal. Despite domestic inconsistency, he still has the club competing on multiple fronts, including the FA Cup and Champions League.
Klopp, meanwhile, continues to distance himself from talk of a managerial comeback, insisting his focus remains away from the touchline. But as Collymore suggests, football has a habit of rewriting its own scripts — and at Liverpool, few stories would be more seismic than Jurgen Klopp returning to reclaim his throne.
