Jurgen Klopp Should be the Next England Manager

With the former Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp, having only just departed the historic football club, I feel it is still appropriate to talk of the great man and what could transpire next for the out of work legend. As it stands, he and much of the football supporting fraternity of Europe, are currently engrossed in the ongoing European Championships in Germany. This tournament has started brightly and there have been some stand-up games, however, England have been unable to get anywhere close to the levels hoped. I am not at all a fan of Gareth Southgate as a coach or manager and have always held reservations on his tenure.

I always felt that his appointment to the huge role was undeserved and undertaken as an easy selection by the FA. The former defenders only experience in domestic Football management was at Middlesbrough, where he failed to succeed in that job. After sitting on the sidelines of Football almost 2 years (some role in the FA aside), he was then gifted the position of England’s under-21 manager.

In the circumstances of his new role, the 57-cap former international found himself surrounded by plethora of talented youngsters, who were able to deliver positive performances for the former Aston Villa defender. On the back of a good run, the then 46-year-old was promoted to the senior team, as the replacement for the disgraced Sam Allardyce. Following the stints of Steve McLaren, Roy Hodgson, and Big Sam, the in-house appointment of Southgate was underwhelming.

After years of underachieving, I have become completely disillusioned with the international setup. The pointless and repetitive international breaks disrupt top level Football throughout the season, thereby taking away much of the shine that once made summer tournaments such a spectacle.

Despite placing well in recent tournaments, I have always felt that the current manager was riding the coattails of the elite players and too often failing against good sites and more experienced managers. After enduring the group stage and that saw England stumble into the knockout rounds of Euro 2024, once again the media and the England supporters are unsure of how the current team can go. At this stage, failure to improve performances will almost lead to the resignation of the Three Lions boss, after seven years at the helm

Replacing Gareth Southgate

Some years ago (and before the last appointment), I championed both José Mourinho and Rafa Benitez as candidates to become England’s new manager. Sometime prior to that, I was also equally keen to see Arsene Wenger considered for what is a stress-free job, something that could be a draw for a world-renowned coach. Each of those legendary Premier League managers have won tournaments, whilst overseeing an array of superstars in their respective careers.

I felt as I feel now, that an experienced manager who has perhaps dropped slightly from a world-class level, would be the perfect role for a top tier international team. Regarding what should come next and who the FA shall look to, I would be delighted if a phone call was put into the departed former Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp. At 57-years old and after an exhausting nine years at Anfield, I suspect there would be a huge temptation to dip his foot into the international waters.

We have all seen pictures in the last few weeks that show the former Dortmund boss relaxed and enjoying life away from the rigours of club football. As a man that clearly adores Merseyside and his most recent setting, I would be amazed if he himself was not tempted by the high profile, highly paid, part-time position. This is someone that has an extensive knowledge of the English top tier and all the players within.

This is a legendary manager who overperformed time and time again and eventually won the Champions League in 2019. With a variety of competition wins in his illustrious career, the Germans explosive brand of football could align with what is needed, whilst affording the perfect balance he has been looking for in this next period of his career.

Nobody knows what the great man will do next and no single person was aware of his resignation, when it dropped earlier in the year. As far as options and candidates go, I cannot think of any better manager to take on a position that has been problematic for so many over the years.

What Else May Tempt the former Liverpool Boss?

Though it might be my Liverpool allegiance which leads me to my next words, it would surely be tremendous for Trent Alexander-Arnold to work under an international manager, who understands and has faith in the undeniable talents of the world-class player. Equally so, the temptation to guide a talented group and achieve something that has long been sought, may be too much to turn down. There will be a shortlist of coaches all vying for one of the worlds most coveted jobs and if the FA were smart enough, then the reds former leader should be their first call.