United States, England Wanted Jürgen Klopp as Coach

Jürgen Klopp's agent has revealed that the United States and England national teams approached the former Liverpool manager before he joined Red Bull as head of global soccer. According to the agent, "Before joining Red Bull, Jürgen could have coached the USA or England. Probably also Germany, if Julian Nagelsmann hadn't already been there."[8]

Klopp, who departed Liverpool after nearly nine successful years in May 2024, citing a lack of energy, has repeatedly downplayed immediate returns to coaching. Despite strong links to the vacant USMNT role following Gregg Berhalter's dismissal after a poor Copa América showing, and England's post-Gareth Southgate vacancy after Euro 2024, Klopp ruled himself out. At the International Coaches' Congress in Germany, he stated, "As of today, that's it for me as a coach," emphasizing his decision was deliberate after leading top clubs like Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund.[1]

In January 2025, Klopp took on an expanded executive role at Red Bull, focusing on strategy, scouting, and development across their clubs—far beyond initial expectations. He has hired overlooked talents, like a manager scout from lower divisions, and engaged in player discussions, aligning with his history of building struggling teams at Mainz, Dortmund, and Liverpool.[4] Red Bull's CEO noted Klopp has no current desire to coach, though opportunities like managing Germany could arise.[4]

While Klopp insists he doesn't miss the sideline grind—rainy training, press conferences, or 1,080+ games—he hasn't entirely closed doors. A Liverpool return is "theoretically possible," as he vowed never to coach another English club.[3] Speculation persists, with Flamengo's president even musing about luring him should their coach leave.[7] However, sources confirm Klopp sought at least 12 months away, with no formal offers received for national team jobs.[1]

Fans dream of Klopp transforming the USMNT for the 2026 World Cup, evoking Jürgen Klinsmann's failed promise, but reality suggests his coaching chapter may be paused.[2] At 58, Klopp eyes football's future in new ways, leveraging experience without the daily obsession.[9]

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