Jurgen Klopp has not had contact with any clubs and does not plan to return to management before next summer, his agent has told Die Welt. Klopp, who left Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season after seven years at the helm, said at the weekend that he was considering his options and his next job would not necessarily have to be with “an absolute top club.”
Earlier this summer, Klopp turned down an offer to join Marseille, while Ralf Rangnick, the sporting director and coach of second-tier club RB Leipzig, has publicly talked up his desire to appoint the 48-year-old next season should his side secure promotion. Klopp has also been touted as a contender to take charge at Bayern Munich when Pep Guardiola’s contract expires at the end of the season, while he continues to be linked with Liverpool amid lingering questions over Brendan Rodgers’ future at Anfield.
His agent, Marc Kosicke, said the coach “has not talked to other clubs” at this stage and, asked about a possible return date, added: “I think it will be the new season.” Kosicke said Klopp is thoroughly enjoying his first break from the game since becoming Mainz boss in 2001.
“Jurgen is doing really great,” he said. “After nearly 15 consecutive years at Mainz and Dortmund, he now has time for retrospection, analysis and those things that get neglected or just can’t be done when you’re in the rhythm of taking part in Bundesliga and Champions League games.”
Kosicke said Klopp is now “preparing both physically and mentally for his new challenge,” adding: “He is bettering himself. But, for now, he enjoys the time he has as a private person.
“When he visited his mother in the past, he could only stay for two or three hours. He can stay for two or three days now. He leads an unspectacular life, and is thankful for this privilege.”
Klopp has not been to a stadium since taking charge of May’s DFB Pokal final, but Kosicke said he is following Dortmund on the television as they make a successful start to life under Thomas Tuchel.
“He every now and then is delighted by the performances of the team when he watches on the telly,” the agent said.