Graham Ruthven: Germany, Barcelona, England… where next – and why – for Jurgen Klopp?

Klopp, however, also has some time to figure out his next move. The 56-year-old has blamed fatigue for his decision to stand down as Liverpool boss, hinting that he will take a sabbatical away from management.

But what about after that? Klopp surely has more to offer at the elite level of the game and will have no shortage of offers whenever he is ready to return. Here are five jobs that could make sense for him post-Liverpool.

Barcelona

Xavi Hernandez followed Klopp’s lead by announcing on Saturday he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season. The Catalans will need a new manager this summer and Klopp would fit the bill in a number of different ways.

While Klopp isn’t exactly a proponent of ‘Tiki-Taka,’ his high-energy style of play would surely be popular with the Barca supporters. The German’s personality would certainly re-energise a club that has increasing felt detached from its own fanbase in recent times.

Klopp would have to forego a sabbatical to take over at Barcelona, but having won league titles in England and Germany, the opportunity to add to his trophy collection in Spain could prove an irresistible one.

Bayern Munich

Many have long held the belief that Klopp will one day manage Bayern Munich. As the best German coach of his generation, Klopp would command the sort of respect required to succeed at the Allianz Arena. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Bavarians have already discussed making a move for their long-term target.

Of course, Thomas Tuchel is already in place at Bayern Munich after replacing Julian Nagelsmann last year. However, the former Chelsea boss is struggling to make his mark with the 11-times reigning Bundesliga champions currently trailing Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the German top flight.

Time taken to complete the full set of trophies for a Premier League club:Klopp = 7 yearsGuardiola = 7 years + 115 chargesFerguson = 22 yearsWenger = N/A pic.twitter.com/UPiKIfq3bg

— Jürgen (@Jurgegenpress2) January 29, 2024

Stylistically, Jurgen Klopp’s fast and furious style of play would be a good fit for a club that played some of its best football this way in the days of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. What’s more, Klopp has already proven himself as a winner in the Bundesliga.

Brazil

A move into international football might make sense for Klopp at this stage of his career. He has nothing left to prove in the club game and so taking over Brazil would present him with a new challenge ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil are on the lookout for a new manager and are determined to hire a big name. Carlo Ancelotti was their number one target before the Italian signed a contract extension to stay at Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho has also been mentioned as a target following his sacking by Roma earlier this month.

Mourinho would be an awkward stylistic fit for a country that famously favours attacking, exciting football, but Klopp would align himself perfectly with Brazil’s identity. The Selecao haven’t won the World Cup since 2002, but Klopp could be the man to change that.

England 

It’s something of an open secret that Gareth Southgate will depart as England manager following Euro 2024. The FA have almost certainly already given some thought to who could take over as Three Lions boss and Klopp’s impending departure from Liverpool has surely thrown his name on to the shortlist.

A German as England national team manager might be somewhat controversial, but Klopp has been embraced by the English game over the last seven years. He knows English football well and has a natural instinct for what energises fans in the country.

While Southgate has undeniably improved England’s fortunes at major tournaments, some fans still complain about his conservative style of play. The appointment of Klopp would address this and help to get the best out of England’s attacking talent.

Some view taking over as German manager to be the natural next step in Klopp’s career, and with good reason. The DFB (German FA) have long seen Klopp as their dream appointment and his availability will almost certainly result in an offer for him to take over after Euro 2024 on home soil.

Julian Nagelsmann only took the Germany job on a short-term basis following the sacking of Hansi Flick and reportedly has plans on taking another club job next season. This would open the door for Klopp to take the reins – he could even do this after a break from management, possibly in 2025.

Klopp has already ruled out the possibility of managing another Premier League club due to his connection with Liverpool, therefore suggesting he would refuse to coach Bayern Munich as a Borussia Dortmund icon. A return to Germany in an international capacity would tick a lot of boxes for Klopp.