‘That’s not Jurgen Klopp’ – sporting director claims Liverpool manager’s next move

Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel believes Jurgen Klopp will not take a job at the club in either England or Germany when he decides to resume his managerial career.

Klopp will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after almost nine years in charge, with his final game coming at home to Wolves in the Premier League on Sunday.

Having spent less than five months out of action since first taking up a role at Mainz in 2001, the Reds boss has said he will take a sabbatical of at least a year before deciding on the next move.

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Klopp has already said he will not consider another job in English club football out of respect for Liverpool, with many observers in Germany believing he will eventually take over as national team boss.

And Heidel, who is a long-time friend of Klopp having worked with him as sporting director at Mainz, is convinced his former colleague will not be persuaded to cut short his extended break.

“To all the people who now think he will be back in two months: this is not Jurgen Klopp,” he said, speaking to German news outlet Bild. “I would put my hand in the fire for that. And I know a little about what he does.

“People who say he’ll be back tomorrow – what kind of pressure was there on a manager like Jurgen Klopp with these clubs he’s had? It’s completely understandable to me that he just wants to take care of himself and his family now.

“I can’t imagine him ever coaching another club in England. It doesn’t suit him. And I think it’s very difficult in Germany too.”