German football pundit: FA should convince Klopp to take over England

Sebastian Kehl, a former Chelsea player and prominent German football commentator, suggested on talkSPORT that the Football Association (FA) should approach Jürgen Klopp for the role of England’s next head coach.

It is widely expected that Southgate will step down after the 2024 European Championship, ending his eight-year tenure. While the focus currently lies on England’s upcoming quarter-final against Switzerland, the FA should be considering potential successors. Names like Graham Potter, previously of Chelsea, and managers such as José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, who are currently tied to clubs, have been mentioned.

However, one name the FA should not overlook is that of former Liverpool manager Klopp, who is enjoying a well-deserved break after leaving Anfield. Attending events like Taylor Swift concerts, watching Euro matches in his home country, and rumored to be in the frame for the US national team, Klopp’s future remains uncertain.

Kehl proposed on talkSPORT that the FA should consider Klopp for the England job: “I can understand Klopp not wanting to take another club job in the Premier League. He has a strong sense of self and would ask ‘What can I do? What impact can I make?’ But if he were to take another position, I doubt the USA would be the right fit.”

He continued, “The only option I can see for him is replacing Nagelsmann as Germany’s head coach. I genuinely believe he could reach the level of Franz Beckenbauer with the national team. Beckenbauer is the greatest symbol in German history, and I think Klopp could match that and bring the World Cup back to Germany.”

Kehl also urged the FA to act swiftly: “The FA must speak to Jürgen. It’s their responsibility to find the best coach, so they should certainly knock on Jürgen’s door. Would he accept if the FA approached him? I’m not sure. But even if they know there’s a chance of a ‘no’, they still have to ask. That’s their duty and obligation.”