Klopp: Agent claims of Manchester United and Chelsea interest denied by clubs amid return rumours

By Matthew Muir

Credit: Alamy Stock Photos

It has been almost two years since the silverware laden Jurgen Klopp era came to a close at Liverpool which spanned nine years and eight trophies, including the Champions League.

Klopp is currently Head of Global Football at Red Bull having stepped away from management following his success at Anfield.

Having said that, according to recent reports, the German’s agent Marc Kosicke has claimed that both Chelsea and Manchester United had approached Klopp in what has proven to be unsuccessful attempts to lure him back to England.

Chelsea would have been seeking a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino who was ultimately succeeded by Enzo Maresca whereas United were aiming to fill the vacancy left by Erik ten Hag before the appointment of Ruben Amorim.

In the Liverpool Echo, Kosicke had this to say when asked about his client’s current mindset on a managerial return:

“Maybe at some point he'll say he needs to smell the locker room again. But at the moment he's very, very happy in his role.

“Even Chelsea and Manchester United inquired, although Jurgen had clearly stated that he would not coach any other club in England. These inquiries haven’t stopped.”

It is interesting that Kosicke has noted the continued interest in the 58-year-old as his name continues to swirl across the media regarding a managerial vacancy or under pressure incumbents.

It is also curious these specific comments about the German have surfaced at a time where Manchester United are yet again on the search for a permanent manager while Michael Carrick is in place in the interim.

However, both they and Chelsea have denied that any contact had occurred but nevertheless, in United’s case, these reports do beg the question of whether Klopp will emerge in the thoughts of Old Trafford chiefs.

In October of last year, Klopp stressed that he has no desire for a return to the dugout and expressed disinterest in managing another English club other than Liverpool:

“I said I will never coach a different team in England… I love what I do right now, I don't miss coaching.”

Klopp’s happiness in his current role is in tandem with Kosicke’s comments and it does seem that a return to the dugout or indeed to another club in England is currently out of the question.

However, the German’s stature in European football cannot be underestimated, especially with a track record that more than speaks for itself.