Jurgen Klopp 'rejected chance to become Germany manager'

By Andrew Delaney, Reporter | 23 September 2023

Jurgen Klopp reportedly wants to stay at Liverpool for the long term after turning down the opportunity to manage the Germany national side.

Jurgen Klopp reportedly turned down the opportunity to become Germany manager before the DFB turned to Julian Nagelsmann.

Nagelsmann was appointed on Friday, following the sacking of Hansi Flick after Germany were beaten 4-1 by Japan during the recent international break.

Rudi Voller would be put in temporary charge as Germany impressively beat France 2-1 in Dortmund a few days later.

Despite hiring the former Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim manager though, the German FA have only given Nagelsmann a contract which runs until July 2024.

That coincides with the end of Euro 2024, which Germany will host, potentially alluding to the fact that Nagelsmann is not the long-term man.

The Telegraph claims that Klopp is still Germany's number one candidate for the role.

Klopp allegedly turned down the opportunity to manage his home nation, preferring to stay at Liverpool.

He wants to build another Liverpool team from scratch that can compete for major honours in England, like he did between 2018 and 2022.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp lifts the Champions League trophy on June 1, 2019 © Reuters

Speaking to RTL last week, Klopp said: "We are currently building Liverpool 2.0 here. We want to really attack again and not just see how long will it last."

In the interview, Klopp was supportive of the hiring of Nagelsmann, stating that he can handle the pressure that comes with the job, despite only being 36.

Dismissing the idea that Nagelsmann may be too young for the role, Klopp stated: "Age? Completely irrelevant! At 28, he has already proven that he is a fantastic coach. He has eight years of experience. Others have that at 45 or 50 – at the highest level."

Klopp was also extremely dismissive over thoughts that he would jump ship from Liverpool to return to Germany to take the national team job, claiming that he wants to see out his contract at Anfield.

"I have a duty of loyalty to Liverpool. My heart is here in Liverpool. You can't just cut out the eight years.

"I signed a contract here and, as far as I can remember, I was not drugged or tied up and had to sign with my mouth.

Liverpool currently sit third in the Premier League, just two points behind Manchester City, after only finishing fifth last season and missing out on Champions League qualification.