Jurgen Klopp emerges as leading candidate to take first job since leaving Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp is being eyed by Germany as their top choice to succeed Julian Nagelsmann if he departs after the 2026 World Cup.
Klopp bid farewell to Anfield this summer after a remarkable nine-year tenure that saw him clinch Liverpool's first Premier League title in three decades, along with the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and the Champions League.
As Arne Slot ushers in a new era at Liverpool, Klopp is contemplating his next move, although he has previously hinted at retiring from management altogether after expressing a need for a break from football.
Despite being linked with the England job following Gareth Southgate's departure this summer, Klopp may be lured by an enticing offer from his homeland to coach the national team.
Trent Alexander-Arnold outlines 'main factor' in Liverpool contract decision after hitting landmark
Liverpool just dropped quiet transfer hint as Arne Slot success hinges on 5 players
Rudi Voller, the sporting director and legendary former striker, discussed the possibility of Klopp taking the reins in the future, stating there would be "no way" they could ignore him should Nagelsmann leave post-World Cup.
Voller suggested that Klopp would be the prime candidate if he desired the role, though his future plans remain uncertain.
"I don't even know what Jurgen would like to do again," he admitted while speaking to Aktuelle Sportstudio. "If Julian Nagelsmann were to decide at some point that he would rather coach a top club again - then of course there is no way around Jurgen Klopp. If he wants to."
Klopp has been relishing some time away from the managerial hot seat since his departure from Liverpool, but couldn't resist returning to the touchline to manage a Dortmund legends side for the testimonials of Lukasz Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski. He described the opportunity as a "lifelong dream" and expressed equal affection for all three clubs he's managed, including Mainz.
The future remains uncertain for Klopp after he played with the idea of retirement upon his unexpected exit from Liverpool earlier this year, stating he would take at least a year off from coaching.
He remarked: "If you ask me, 'Will you ever work as a manager again? ' I would say now no. But I don't know obviously how that will feel because I never had the situation."
"But all the rest, will I ever work again? Of course, I know myself, I cannot just sit around. I will find something else maybe to do. But I will not manage a club or a country at least for a year, that's not possible, I cannot do that and I don't want to. That's all."