Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp’s agent has revealed that the Football Association had finalized a deal for the German before settling on compatriot Thomas Tuchel.
Jurgen Klopp’s agent has claimed he received an offer to play for England before Thomas Tuchel (Image: Ronnie Hartmann, AFP, via Getty Images)
When England appointed Thomas Tuchel in October 2024, it was done through a process that focused on the most important thing: hunting big players.
After a period of success under Gareth Southgate, the Football Association decided that the arrival of a blockbuster could be the final piece to end a generations-old wound.
Southgate was a shining example of the FA system and the exemplary work being done at St George’s Park. But for the biggest World Cup ever, England needed an A-list manager.
Tuchel was the man ultimately handed the toughest job in English football, but only after offers had been made to many of his contemporaries. Pep Guardiola has been heavily courted and so has his Premier League arch-rival Jurgen Klopp, according to his agent.
The former Liverpool manager’s agent has suggested that his client was indeed offered the job before his compatriot was hired, with Klopp determined to keep his word and stay away from the dugout.
read more: England star with two caps could receive surprise call-up for World Cup after message from manager Thomas Tuchelread more: Manchester United immediately respond to claims Jurgen Klopp has been offered the managerial job
But how would the Three Lions fare under Klopp? Mirror Sport’s chief football writer John Cross and chief sportswriter Andy Dunn give their opinions and decide whether England would have had a better chance with Klopp than Tuchel this summer…
What is Klopp’s England like and what is different?
JC: They are different, but similar in many ways.
Klopp’s “heavy metal football” can be replaced with Tuchel’s intensity and tactics. Tuchel is perhaps more flexible, but Klopp’s style felt more aggressive and adventurous at Liverpool.
But look at their career paths. They have walked the same path. He entered English football after playing Mainz and then Dortmund.
Perhaps England will be a little more aggressive. The players must like Klopp. But to be fair, the team really trusts Tuchel. To be honest, Klopp – and I’m talking about an energetic Klopp at the height of his powers – would have been incredibly fun.
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Thomas Tuchel enjoyed a perfect World Cup qualification (Image: Eddie Keogh/The FA via Getty Images)
AD: Firstly, Jurgen Klopp would have built the team around the driving force of Jude Bellingham, but he would not have made the Real Madrid man feel like he could have a negative impact on the team.
Klopp had an infamous spat with Mohamed Salah, but during their time together, the Liverpool manager knew how to get the best out of his star player.
It goes without saying that Klopp’s England team is based on a hard-pressing style and takes a more direct approach. However, his team will be more vulnerable from a defensive point of view.
Who were the big winners and losers?
JC: Let’s start with the right-back! Tuchel loves Reece James, affectionately calling him ‘Reecy’ and has effectively revitalized his career in England.
Don’t get me wrong, he’s a great player. Tuchel has known him since his time at Chelsea, loves him and has shown that as a manager, if you make your players feel like they are the kings of the world, they will play like one. That’s great man management.
But Klopp would no doubt have done exactly the same with Trent Alexander-Arnold. He is, in my view, someone who has been criminally underutilized and abused during his England career.
Remember Klopp’s scathing comments about England playing the world’s best right-back in midfield? Well, it’s safe to say that Alexander-Arnold will be on a plane this summer.
Jurgen Klopp would have made Trent Alexander-Arnold a key part of the England squad (Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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AD: As mentioned earlier, Jude Bellingham will be the winner under Klopp, but perhaps the biggest winner will be Trent Alexander-Arnold.
No one is a bigger fan of the former Liverpool full-back than Klopp, and he won’t approve of an England squad without Trent, who continues to excel on the international stage under Tuchel.
Klopp is also a huge fan of Jarrod Bowen, even starting him ahead of Bukayo Saka.
The big losers will include Marcus Rashford, who may struggle to cope with the demanding demands, and Jordan Henderson, Klopp’s all-time favorite but who no longer has enough energy for the German’s style.
Would England have had more chances this summer with Klopp in charge?
JC: Let me be clear: Tuchel has proven to be a great appointment. It is impossible to have absolutely no regrets.
What else would you want for a perfect record, eight wins without conceding in qualifying? Yes, that “nasty” comment about Jude Bellingham was a huge mistake, as it felt Klopp would have loved and defended our best players.
Klopp is clearly the bigger name, but Tuchel is not far behind. Tuchel won the Champions League with Chelsea and is a tactician and a manager who delivers results.
Due to his high profile, interest in Klopp’s manager will likely increase further. But Tuchel is enjoying himself, speaking to the British media with a twinkle in his eye, and even enjoying some interaction with fans.
With Klopp in charge, I don’t think England would have had a better chance. England will be competing as one of the favorites to win the title, but in the end they will be playing against a better opponent in tough conditions. Still, Tuchel may have the tactics to pull it off.
Tuchel takes England to North America as one of the pre-tournament favorites (Image: Francesco Scccianoce – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
AD: The short answer is no. Patience will be one of the key ingredients for success at the 2026 World Cup, but patience is not one of Klopp’s virtues.
It’s no exaggeration to say that Klopp is such a motivator that his players feel like they would run through a brick wall for him.
However, his all-action style doesn’t necessarily work at the international elite level. It would be a lot of fun and England will probably enjoy a bit of frolic throughout the group stage.
However, they may feel unsatisfied when they face one of the better teams in the finals. That may also apply to Tuchel, who has shown he has the tactical knowledge to adapt to the demands of the international game.
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