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Jurgen Klopp has been backed for an unlikely return to a managerial role in the future . . . with the England national team.
The Three Lions have only ever had three foreign managers: current incumbent Thomas Tuchel, Fabio Capello and Sven Goran-Eriksson.
Tuchel is only months into his role, having signed an 18-month contract which will take him up until and including the 2026 World Cup.
The former Chelsea and PSG manager has clearly been given a simple remit — to win the World Cup — and it remains unclear whether he will continue in the role beyond next summer.
Tuchel has not lasted more than three years in any of his last four managerial jobs, so there is a good chance that the role of England manager will be up for grabs in the next few years.
And former Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer has suggested that Klopp could consider succeeding his compatriot if he does opt to return to the dug-out.
Speaking to Boyle Sports, who offer the latest football odds, Smicer said: “Jurgen Klopp was under immense pressure as Liverpool manager. That pressure probably became too much at the end, and he wanted some free time to enjoy with his family, stepping away from the daily grind of management.
“Now, he's working for Red Bull, traveling the world, and offering advice. I think he's enjoying this period, free from the pressure. We'll see what the future holds. He's still young to completely leave management.
“It would be difficult for him to manage another Premier League club, given his strong connection with Liverpool, I can't see him taking on Chelsea, Arsenal, or Manchester United.
“I could see him as manager of the German national team. It's a different kind of work, not an everyday role. That's my prediction, one day we will see him managing a national team.
“It could be another German-speaking team, or even England. He knows the English players well, similar to Sven-Goran Eriksson's situation. We'll see.”
Meanwhile, Klopp recently gave an interview to The Athletic, in which he said he doesn't miss any aspect of soccer coaching, as he continues to adapt to his role as Red Bull's head of global soccer.
Asked whether he 'was waiting by the television for the games to begin' at the beginning of last season, Klopp responded: “Not at all. I was super happy with the way Liverpool performed. I watched some games. But it is not like, ‘Oh, it’s Saturday!’
“I didn’t know when games started. I was just out. I played sports. We enjoyed life, spent time with the grandkids, completely normal stuff, knowing I will work again. But knowing as well, that I don’t want to work as a coach anymore."
Asked whether he believes he will never be a coach again, Klopp responded: “That’s what I think. But you don’t know. I’m 58. If I started again at 65, everybody will say, ‘You said you’ll never do it again!’ Er, sorry, I thought 100 per cent (when I said it)! That is what I think now. I don’t miss anything.”
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