Why I want to join Manchester United – Jürgen Klopp revealed in his last press conference as Liverpool manager
Jurgen Klopp reveals why he chose to join Liverpool over Manchester United
United were after him for 18 months
DARRAGH MURPHY
How different it could have been.
Jurgen Klopp had the chance to become Manchester United manager, which comes as no surprise as that rumour had been doing the rounds for years.
But the German has now explained what persuaded him to move to Liverpool instead of United in 2015, after spending seven years in charge of Borussia Dortmund.
“Yes there was interest – Manchester United, yes they were interested a year or a year-and-a-half before, but it didn’t feel right,” Klopp told Sky Sports. “I couldn’t say Man United is not my club, it didn’t feel right.
“When Liverpool called, I had no chance. It was actually too early for my plans. I said, ‘Wow, come on!’ But then coming here and feeling the spirit immediately, it was just, for me, a match in heaven.”
Klopp signed a three-year deal with the Reds in 2015, before extending his contract to 2022 a year later.
He remains a firm fan favourite at Anfield, with Sunday’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Manchester City further endearing himself to Liverpool supporters.
And, for Klopp, it was only ever going to be one club.
“I’m a football romantic,” Klopp added. “I’m confident but not as confident as other managers, thinking this club will call, that club will call. A lot of clubs called and I said ‘No, no chance, I need to make a break now’. Even my wife knew, if Liverpool is calling, I go.”
RELATED ARTICLES
Juventus star sparks transfer rumours after Facebook picture changed to Man United shirt
FOOTBALL
Juventus star sparks transfer rumours after Facebook picture changed to Man United shirt
By Callum Boyle
Journalist responds to claims Man City’s FFP charges have been dropped
FOOTBALL
Journalist responds to claims Man City’s FFP charges have been dropped
By Callum Boyle
Jurgen Klopp says Amnesty International should get involved in ‘crime’ of 12:30 Liverpool kick offs
FOOTBALL
Jurgen Klopp says Amnesty International should get involved in ‘crime’ of 12:30 Liverpool kick offs
By Callum Boyle
MORE FROM JOE
Referee shows white card during Sporting Lisbon vs Benfica
BENFICA
Referee shows white card during Sporting Lisbon vs Benfica
By Callum Boyle
EFL overturn the ‘most blatant red cards of the season’ that could have impact on promotion
EFL
EFL overturn the ‘most blatant red cards of the season’ that could have impact on promotion
By Callum Boyle
Bayern Munich interested in appointing Erik ten Hag
BAYERN MUNICH
Bayern Munich interested in appointing Erik ten Hag
By Callum Boyle
Graeme Souness says Mo Salah is the ‘most selfish player’ he’s ever witnessed
FOOTBALL
Graeme Souness says Mo Salah is the ‘most selfish player’ he’s ever witnessed
By Callum Boyle
Erik ten Hag rubbishes claims that majority of Man United side are up for sale
ERIK TEN HAG
Erik ten Hag rubbishes claims that majority of Man United side are up for sale
By Callum Boyle
The reason why Kylian Mbappe was left behind by PSG after Dortmund defeat
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
The reason why Kylian Mbappe was left behind by PSG after Dortmund defeat
By Callum Boyle
Willow Smith says her success is nothing to do with her parents
CELEBRITY
Willow Smith says her success is nothing to do with her parents
By Ryan Price
Michael Keaton has been voted the best Batman actor of all time
ADAM WEST
Michael Keaton has been voted the best Batman actor of all time
By Ryan Price
Referee shows white card during Sporting Lisbon vs Benfica
BENFICA
Referee shows white card during Sporting Lisbon vs Benfica
By Callum Boyle
Jimmy Carr sparks outrage with ‘car crash’ This Morning appearance
ENTERTAINMENT
Jimmy Carr sparks outrage with ‘car crash’ This Morning appearance
By Ryan Price
Dannii Minogue fights back tears as she says she ‘identifies as queer’
CELEBRITY
Dannii Minogue fights back tears as she says she ‘identifies as queer’
By Ryan Price
EFL overturn the ‘most blatant red cards of the season’ that could have impact on promotion
EFL
EFL overturn the ‘most blatant red cards of the season’ that could have impact on promotion
By Callum Boyle
MORE FROM JOE
Fans demand answer to fishing trip mystery in last ever Gavin and Stacey
ENTERTAINMENT
Fans demand answer to fishing trip mystery in last ever Gavin and Stacey
By Ryan Price
Bayern Munich interested in appointing Erik ten Hag
BAYERN MUNICH
Bayern Munich interested in appointing Erik ten Hag
By Callum Boyle
The JOE Friday Pub Quiz: week 397
THE JOE FRIDAY PUB QUIZ
The JOE Friday Pub Quiz: week 397
By Charlie Herbert
Conor McGregor sends chilling threat to Ryan Garcia in now-deleted tweet after failed drugs test
BOXING
Conor McGregor sends chilling threat to Ryan Garcia in now-deleted tweet after failed drugs test
By Callum Boyle
Boris Johnson turned away from polling station for failing to comply with rule he introduced while he was PM
BORIS JOHNSON
Boris Johnson turned away from polling station for failing to comply with rule he introduced while he was PM
By Ryan Price
Graeme Souness says Mo Salah is the ‘most selfish player’ he’s ever witnessed
FOOTBALL
Graeme Souness says Mo Salah is the ‘most selfish player’ he’s ever witnessed
By Callum Boyle
All rights reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your Privacy Rights. JOE may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retai
lers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of JOE. Ad Choices