Ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is not interested in replacing Gareth Southgate (Picture: Getty)
Jurgen Klopp has categorically ruled himself out of the running for the vacant England manager’s job, claiming it would be ‘the biggest loss of face in the history of football’ if he were to replace Gareth Southgate.
Southgate brought an end to his eight-year tenure in charge of England after leading the Three Lions to the final of Euro 2024, where they were beaten by the eventual champions Spain.
The 53-year-old faced heavy criticism for England’s uninspiring performances across this summer’s tournament in Germany, but left his post as the only manager to have guided the national team to two major finals.
The FA immediately began work behind the scenes to find a successor to Southgate, with England set to return to Nations League action against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on September 7.
Graham Potter – who has been out of a job since being dismissed by Chelsea – emerged as the early frontrunner to replace Southgate, while Eddie Howe and England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley have also been tipped as potential contenders.
Klopp was another named linked in the wake of his departure from Liverpool but the 57-year-old German is enjoying an extended break away from football and has no interest in returning to take over the reins from Southgate.
‘At the moment, there is nothing at all in terms of jobs. No club, no country,’ Klopp said at the International Coaches’ Congress in his native Germany.
‘England? That would be the biggest loss of face in the history of football if I said I’ll make an exception for you.’
Southgate left his role as England manager and steering the Three Lions to the Euro 2024 final (Picture: Getty)
Klopp announced his decision to leave Liverpool back in January after a trophy-laden nine-year reign on Merseyside.
The charismatic former Borussia Dortmund boss steered the Reds to nine pieces of silverware after taking charge of the club in 2015 and departed Anfield as an all-time great.
Arne Slot was subsequently announced as Klopp’s replacement at Liverpool, with the Dutchman leaving Feyenoord to come to the Premier League.
Klopp’s comments come after Newcastle boss Howe revealed that he had not been contacted by the FA over the prospect of taking charge.
‘Absolutely no contact whatsoever from anybody – and I’m fully committed to Newcastle,’ Howe said on the Magpies’ pre-season tour of Japan.
‘There’s nothing to talk about. I don’t need to address the players.
‘They know, I hope, by how I act and how I am on a daily basis and how committed I am to the club.’
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