Jurgen Klopp responds to approach to US job after Liverpool departure

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has rejected an approach from the United States to take over as manager.

The Independent reported on Thursday that the United States Soccer Federation had approached Klopp about taking over, in what would be his first job since leaving Liverpool.

Klopp was the top target for USSF sporting director Matt Crocker after he decided to fire boss Gregg Berhalter on Wednesday after almost six years at the helm.

But The Athletic report that Klopp has “politely declined” the approach and wants to stick to the vow he made to Liverpool fans that he would take at least a year away from football.

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Klopp, who ended Liverpool’s title drought in 2020, announced his departure in January, admitting he had “run out of energy”. He has since been linked with the job in Germany ahead of US speculation, but is set to continue his sabbatical.

“I absolutely love everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff. I love everything,” Klopp said during his resignation in January. “But the fact that I’m still making this decision shows you that I’m convinced it’s the one I have to make.”

“It’s that I ran out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I already knew for a long time that I would have to announce it at some point, but now I am absolutely fine. I know I can’t do the job over and over and over and over.”

Former USA boss Berhalter was re-hired as coach until 2026 last summer but has produced disappointing results, culminating in a disastrous Copa America group stage exit, including a 2-1 defeat to internationals Panama.

“The Copa America result is extremely disappointing and I take full responsibility for our performance,” Berhalter said in a statement on Wednesday. “Our approach and process has always been focused on the 2026 World Cup and I remain confident that this group will be one of the best stories of 2026.”

The Athletic’s report also noted that USSF remain interested in making Klopp their manager and it was the same publication that initially sparked rumors between the two sides earlier this year.

Klopp has also confirmed that he intends to return to football at some point, and the USSF will be hoping that the more sporadic schedule of international play appeals to his battle with burnout. “It is out of the question that I will stop working,” Klopp said after leaving Liverpool. “But I don’t see myself continuing at the same pace as before at this point.”

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