Klopp Explains Why He Rejected Manchester United Job in 2013
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has revealed that he turned down the chance to manage Manchester United in 2013, saying the project presented to him “was not for me.”
Speaking on The Diary of a CEO podcast on Monday, the German coach said he was approached by United following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, but ultimately felt it was the wrong move at the time.
“Yes, I spoke to them,” Klopp confirmed. “In the year Sir Alex Ferguson retired, they reached out. Of course, they were interested. But I had a sensational team at Dortmund, I was young, and it was just the wrong time.”
Klopp also cited philosophical differences as a major factor. He said the discussions at United did not align with his vision: “They told me things in that conversation that I didn’t like. It was all about getting the best players, bringing back stars, but it was not my project.”
He specifically mentioned the idea of re-signing former players, such as Paul Pogba or Cristiano Ronaldo, as something he would not have supported. “Bringing back former players doesn’t usually work. At that time, it was not about Cristiano, maybe about Paul, I’m not even sure. But the approach didn’t sit with me,” he explained.
Reflecting on his career, Klopp also addressed his future in coaching. Having left Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season after nine trophy-laden years, he hinted a return to Anfield could be possible. “I said I will never coach a different team in England, so if I return, it would only be Liverpool. Theoretically, it’s possible,” he said.
However, he admitted he does not currently miss the pressures of managing a team: “I don’t miss standing in the rain for hours, press conferences, or being in the dressing room constantly. I’ve coached over 1,080 games — that’s enough. I don’t want to die in the dressing room.”
Looking ahead, Klopp remains open-minded about the future. “I’m 58. I don’t have to coach again, and I can simply see what the future brings. I could make a decision in a few years — but not today.”
