Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has stated that taking the England job would be “the biggest loss of face in the history of football.”
Klopp, 57, has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the position since Gareth Southgate stepped down following England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Klopp departed Liverpool at the end of last season, citing a “loss of energy” after a nine-year tenure that saw him win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.
At the International Coaches’ Congress in Wurzburg, Germany, Klopp was asked about any potential offers he might have received.
“At the moment, there is nothing at all in terms of jobs. No club, no country,” he said.
“England? That would be the biggest loss of face in the history of football if I said I’ll make an exception for you.”
On Tuesday, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe, who has also been linked with England, said he has not had contact with the Football Association over the job.
“Absolutely no contact whatsoever from anybody – and I’m fully committed to Newcastle,” said Howe, when asked about England during Newcastle’s pre-season trip to Japan.
England’s first match after Gareth Southgate’s departure will be against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on September 7, as part of the UEFA Nations League.
In addition to Eddie Howe, other candidates for the position include England Under-21s manager Lee Carsley, former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter, and Thomas Tuchel, who was last in charge at Bayern Munich.
‘I still want to work in football’
Klopp, who managed Borussia Dortmund for seven years before taking over at Liverpool in 2015, did not completely dismiss the possibility of returning to coaching in the future.
“Let’s see what it will look like in a few months. Nothing is coming through at the moment,” he said.
“As of today, that’s it for me as a coach. I didn’t quit on a whim, it was a general decision.
“I’ve also coached the best clubs in the world. Maybe we can talk about it again in a few months.
“I still want to work in football and help people with my experience and contacts. Let’s see what else there is for me.”
Klopp was at Wembley on 1 June as Borussia Dortmund’s guest for the Champions League final against Real Madrid.
Liverpool have appointed Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as Klopp’s replacement.