The inside story of Jurgen Klopp and England - and who his rival FA REALLY wanted
Jurgen Klopp could have been the England manager, but Pep Guardiola was actually the preferred choice for the role.
Jurgen Klopp's potential as England's manager has been brought into question following comments made by his agent, Marc Kosicke. According to Kosicke, teams like Chelsea and Manchester United had an interest in Klopp after his departure from Liverpool in 2024, and even the national team evaluated him as a candidate. However, Pep Guardiola was reportedly the frontrunner, being much closer to taking the role. This situation reflects the heavy competition between elite coaches and the high expectations within English football management.
The discussion around Klopp and Guardiola being considered for the England management position highlights the broader context of coaching talent in the Premier League. With the likes of Guardiola viewed as a managerial legend akin to Sir Alex Ferguson or Jose Mourinho, it underscores the significance of having top-tier talent at the helm of national teams. Coaches of this caliber are usually expected to lead clubs or national teams to success, raising the stakes for federations like the FA.
Furthermore, Kosicke's remarks about Klopp indicate that he had multiple opportunities, not just in England but also in countries like the USA and potentially Germany, if not for the presence of other favorites. The landscape for managerial roles in football continues to evolve, impacting national team strategies and performance on the international stage.