Jurgen Klopp, the former manager of Liverpool, has ruled himself out as a replacement for Gareth Southgate, who resigned from his position as England’s coach following their defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Southgate’s departure marked the end of his eight-year tenure, prompting speculation that the Football Association (FA) might turn to Klopp, who recently left Liverpool after a highly successful period that saw him secure both Premier League and Champions League titles.
Despite initial conjecture, The Telegraph reports that Klopp will not be available to take over the England role in time for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Klopp has decided to embark on a year-long sabbatical from top-level management, with his hiatus scheduled to last until July 2025. This break is a deliberate move by Klopp to take time away from football management, an endeavor he has been dedicated to for the past 23 years.
Klopp’s decision to step back means the FA will likely need to appoint a caretaker or interim manager to navigate the World Cup qualification process. However, Klopp could potentially be considered for the role ahead of the 2026 World Cup once he returns from his sabbatical. It remains uncertain whether Klopp would entertain the prospect of managing the England national team upon his return, especially considering the numerous offers he might receive from clubs and national teams worldwide.
Recent reports indicate that Klopp declined formal discussions with the United States regarding their national team manager position, underscoring his commitment to taking a break from football. This desire for a sabbatical reflects Klopp’s need to explore life beyond the demands of professional sports and to recharge before reengaging with management duties.
As the FA begins its search for Southgate’s successor, Klopp’s future plans continue to generate significant interest. While managing England is not entirely out of the question for him in the future, any potential appointment would have to wait until after his planned sabbatical. This situation leaves the FA in the position of needing to find a short-term solution for the upcoming qualifiers while potentially considering Klopp for a more permanent role in the future.
In summary, while Jurgen Klopp has opted for a temporary break from football management, his potential candidacy for the England national team remains a topic of speculation. The FA will need to address their immediate coaching needs while keeping an eye on Klopp’s availability and interest once he resumes his managerial career after his planned sabbatical.