Manchester United and Chelsea Respond to Jurgen Klopp Interest

Jurgen Klopp's agent, Marc Kosicke, has revealed that Manchester United and Chelsea approached the former Liverpool manager after his departure from Anfield in May 2024, despite Klopp's public stance against coaching another English club.[1]

The 58-year-old German, who ended Liverpool's 30-year Premier League title drought during his eight-and-a-half-year tenure, took an extended break before joining Red Bull as Head of Global Soccer in January 2025. Kosicke noted that the inquiries from United and Chelsea "tested his resolve," adding that such interest persists even as Klopp undergoes a "metamorphosis" from hands-on coach to broader management role.[1]

Kosicke emphasized Klopp's firm decision: "Even Chelsea and Manchester United inquired, although Jurgen had clearly stated that he would not coach any other club in England."[1] Additional reports claim Klopp also rebuffed approaches from the England national team and the U.S. men's national team post-Liverpool.[2]

Both clubs have denied the contacts, according to Sky Sports. Manchester United and Chelsea appointed new head coaches in January 2026—Liam Rosenior at United replacing Ruben Amorim, and Michael Carrick at Chelsea succeeding Enzo Maresca.[1]

This isn't the first time Klopp turned down big offers. Kosicke disclosed Bayern Munich came "very close" to signing him twice: in 2008, when Uli Hoeness pushed for him over Jurgen Klinsmann, and in 2019 after Niko Kovac's exit, though Hansi Flick's success derailed it.[1]

At United, Klopp was considered amid candidates like Thomas Frank and Thomas Tuchel, but the board stuck with Erik ten Hag before his eventual sacking. Chelsea's instability under multiple directors may have deterred Klopp, echoing his own frustrations at Liverpool.[2]

Klopp remains committed to his non-coaching path, focusing on strategic oversight at Red Bull.[1][2]

(Word count: 298)