While the hymns of praise for Jurgen Klopp's achievements at Liverpool seem endless, the 56-year-old's future remains a subject of speculation.
Liverpool's manager Jurgen Klopp applauds the supporters after the English Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City in Liverpool, Britain, Oct. 16, 2022. (Xinhua)
German national coach, Bayern manager, or a role at some European top side -- doors appear wide open. Yet, the German has spoken about running out of energy after nearly nine years with Liverpool FC.
Despite daily suggestions triggered by pundits' and media conjectures, other indications point to a recovery break. The coach promised his wife, Ulla, to take a sabbatical after the energy-intensive job at Anfield, and his family is busy finishing their house project in Wiesbaden. This building project is set to become the family's headquarters. Its geographical proximity to the German Football Association's headquarters in Frankfurt triggers further rumors, but it's a logical move since Klopp and his wife have spent most of their life in the region.
While several surveys indicate German fans' desire to see Klopp as the next German national coach, club jobs at Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich are mentioned. However, Klopp has ruled out taking over another English club side. As a fact, the 2019 Champions League winner has demonstrated astute judgment in choosing his engagements.
Having made his way to top-class coaching at Mainz, Klopp revitalized a struggling Borussia Dortmund, leading the Black and Yellows to two national titles and a German Cup win. After seven years with Dortmund, he turned to Liverpool, repeating his success and stepping into the international spotlight.
It seems more than a bold guess that Klopp is carefully picking his next step, as he always has. The possibility of not having to entirely dive into a new club environment might favor a national team role. Klopp has not hidden his thoughts about one day taking over the German team.
Pundits such as former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann and former Bayern captain Stefan Effenberg have spoken about Klopp being the only one capable of rescuing struggling German football. Meanwhile, current Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said the coach would be warmly welcomed at Bayern.
While a return to Dortmund seems sentimental, the Bavarians appear to be the only possible job in Germany. Klopp has already begun his farewell tour with Liverpool FC. Not only Effenberg expects further success this season; he believes "his announcement to leave is triggering additional energy. Everyone is eager to create a happy ending."
Meanwhile, Klopp's tears and emotional declaration of love tell the story of a coach deeply connected with the harbor city and indicate it might take a while until he concludes what is next for him. The fact is, Klopp's decision to seek a perfect ending in Liverpool is triggering all sorts of possible options but ultimately proves he is a coach who has done things the right way.
While others have various solutions in mind, depending on their perspective, it's up to Klopp to first finish his journey in Liverpool, talk to his family, and listen to what his heart is telling him. Despite mentioning he is considering retiring, fans not only in Germany hope to see him in action again as soon as possible.