Jürgen Klopp, who departed Liverpool earlier this year, has emphatically dismissed any longing for a return to traditional football management, citing a strong aversion to its demands and even the unpleasant smell of team changing rooms. The charismatic German coach stated he finds his current role fulfilling and has no immediate plans to step back into the dugout.
“I don’t miss standing in the rain for two and a half or three hours,” Klopp said in a recent podcast interview. “I don’t miss press conferences three times a week or 12 interviews a week. I don’t miss that. I don’t.”
The 58-year-old, now serving as Red Bull’s global director of football, expressed genuine satisfaction with his new responsibilities. He managed over 1,080 professional games during his illustrious career.
“I don’t miss being in the changing room,” he added, with a touch of humor. “I’ve been in the changing room many times, and I don’t want to die there just because it’s good. It smells bad!”
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Klopp had previously announced his departure from Liverpool in 2024, citing exhaustion from the intense pressures of top-flight management. He remains firm on his commitment to not coach another English club.
“I said that I would never coach another team in England,” he explained. “So, theoretically, one day I could return to Liverpool.”
Despite the continuous speculation linking him to various elite clubs across Europe, Klopp is focused on his current work. He praised the project and the people involved at Red Bull.
“Now I’m involved in a project that I really love,” Klopp stated. “I like the people I work with, the clubs we are responsible for, and the countries our clubs are in.”
He indicated that any decision about a potential return to coaching would be several years away.
“I’m 58 years old. On one hand, I’m old, but on the other, I’m not,” Klopp said. “This means I can make a decision in a few years. I don’t know. Do I have to make a decision today? I can just see what the future holds for me.”