Jurgen Klopp has reiterated that he is committed to ‘creating Liverpool 2.0’ while explaining why he was never considered for the job of Germany national team manager.
Klopp was named on the DFB’s (German FA’s) preliminary shortlist of potential successors to the recently sacked Hansi Flick as Germany’s head coach for next summer’s home European Championships.
According to some rumors, Klopp is the DFB’s ‘favorite’ to take over, albeit his appointment has always been more dream than reality.
Klopp’s agency denied that his client would take the post while still under contract with Liverpool, and it currently appears that Julian Nagelsmann, formerly of Bayern Munich, will be named soon.
In an interview with German news channel RTL, Klopp encouraged the 36-year-old manager to succeed with Die Mannschaft if granted the job.
“I believe Julian is a great solution because he is an excellent coach.” “If it happens that way, I’ll be very happy,” Klopp remarked.
The Reds manager, who is currently the Premier League’s longest-serving manager, also explained why he was never a realistic possibility for Germany, emphasizing that his heart is at Liverpool.
“We’re building Liverpool 2.0 here, we want to attack again, not just see how much longer we can go on,” Klopp stated.
“I am devoted to Liverpool.” Liverpool holds a special place in my heart. You can’t just skip eight years. I signed a contract here, and as far as I recall, I wasn’t drugged or restrained, and I had to sign with my tongue. That was a free choice. That’s why it doesn’t work.”
Klopp, who arrived at Anfield in the autumn of 2015, signed a contract extension in 2022 that would keep him at the club until 2026.
Earlier this summer, Klopp said he wouldn’t rule out leading Germany in the future, but he won’t cut his club deal short to take on the ‘interesting’ post.
“The problem that stands in the way of the whole thing is my loyalty,” Klopp told Sky Deutschland. “I can’t just leave Liverpool and declare that I’ll take over Germany for a few months.” That does not function, as the request does not exist.
“If I’m supposed to do that at some point, I have to be available, which I’m not right now.” I have an obligation to the club.
“In general, it’s an interesting job.” But I’m not sure if I’ll do anything radically different after I leave Liverpool. “I’d like to keep all of my options open.”