Jürgen Klopp rejects Manchester United offer in 2013, calling it the wrong project at the wrong time and not aligned with his football values

Jürgen Klopp rejects Manchester United — the former Liverpool manager has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to manage the Red Devils in 2013, saying the project “was not for me.”

Also read: Harry Maguire seals emotional Anfield win for United

Speaking candidly on The Diary of a CEO podcast, Klopp confirmed that Manchester United approached him shortly after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

While flattered by the offer, the German tactician said he was unconvinced by the vision presented and remained loyal to Borussia Dortmund at the time.

“Yes, I spoke to them,” Klopp said. “Of course they were interested, but it was the wrong time. I had a sensational team at Dortmund and a contract I wasn’t willing to break.”

More crucially, Klopp hinted at deeper philosophical differences that made the role unappealing. “The people in that conversation told me things I didn’t like. It was all about ‘we’ll get the players we want’ — I was just sitting there thinking, ‘That’s not how I work.’ It wasn’t my project.”

The 57-year-old also questioned the strategy of re-signing former players as part of a rebuild. “Paul Pogba, Cristiano Ronaldo — sensational players. But bringing players back rarely works. It’s nostalgic, not progressive.”

Klopp’s managerial ethos has always leaned on building teams rather than buying ready-made stars, a principle that shaped his successful tenure at both Dortmund and Liverpool.

Reflecting on his exit from Anfield at the end of the 2023/24 season, Klopp didn’t rule out a return — but only to Liverpool. “I said I’ll never coach another team in England. So if I return, it’s Liverpool — theoretically, it’s possible.”

Despite the speculation, Klopp insisted he is enjoying his current sabbatical from frontline management. “I don’t miss coaching. I’ve done over a thousand games. I don’t want to die in the dressing room,” he joked, referencing the physical and mental toll of elite football management.

As for the future? Klopp remains open-minded. “I’m 58. That’s not that old. I don’t have to decide now. I’ll just see what the future brings.”

Also read: Harry Maguire seals emotional Anfield win for United

His comments have reignited debates around Manchester United’s post-Ferguson appointments, with many fans wondering what might have been had Klopp taken the reins at Old Trafford instead of joining Liverpool in 2015 — where he went on to win the Premier League and Champions League.

Jürgen Klopp rejects Manchester United project as wrong fit