Jurgen Klopp has emerged as a front-runner to take over as Germany manager following the announcement that Joachim Low is to step down this summer.
Low has been in charge of Germany for 15 years and guided his country to World Cup glory in 2014, with Mario Gotze’s memorable strike sealing a 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina.
The 61-year-old’s reign will come to an end following the conclusion of this summer’s European Championships, with Liverpool manager Klopp heavily linked with the job.
Germany boss Joachim Low is top step down from his role following this summer’s Euro 2020
Liverpool manager Jugen Klopp has been linked with the Germany job for a number of months
Low’s departure was announced on Tuesday, with the German subsequently saying: ‘I’m taking this step very consciously, full of pride and enormous gratitude.
‘But at the same time will continue to be very motivated when it comes to the upcoming European Championship.
‘I’m proud, because it’s something very special and an honor for me to be involved in my country.’
As the footballing world gradually switches its focus towards this summer’s European Championships, talk of who will replace Low in the hot seat will also ignite.
But even prior to Tuesday’s announcement, under fire Liverpool boss Klopp has been heavily linked with the job.
In fact, it was only in February that reports in Germany stated Klopp would be the first choice to replace Low should he depart.
A potential stumbling block in that move is that Klopp remains in contract with Liverpool until 2024, however, while their Fenway owners are understood to have provided the German with their backing.
Perhaps more so, is that Klopp is believed to have no desire to leave the club.
Klopp has spoken of potentially taking charge of Germany in the past, however, most recently in November, when he assured it wasn’t an imminent move.
‘Maybe in the future but now, no, because I have no time,’ he said. ‘I also have a job – a pretty intense job by the way.
‘I am not sure if anybody has asked me but if they don’t know I have a job here at Liverpool.’
Jurgen Klopp looked a frustrated figure as Liverpool lost again at home to Fulham on Sunday
Since November, a lot has changed at Liverpool, however. When Klopp quashed talk of a move to Germany, the Reds were sat top of the Premier League table and looking good for a successful title defence.
The situation now looks rather different, with Liverpool down in eighth place, having lost six home Premier League games on the bounce.
Moreover, it will now be a significant challenge to secure Champions League football for next season, with Chelsea seven points ahead in fourth.
And while Klopp has undoubtedly been Liverpool’s most successful manager in recent history, there could be a ready made replacement in Steven Gerrard, who’s Rangers side were confirmed as Scottish champions over the weekend.
Steven Gerrard has been linked to the Liverpool job following his success with Rangers
RB Leipzig’s Julian Nagelsmann has already ruled himself out the running for Germany boss
Of course, Klopp is not the only potential candidate ahead, with the likes of Julian Nagelsmann linked, while Arsene Wenger has also emerged as a surprise pick.
The former has already ruled himself out of the running, however. Speaking ahead of RB Leipzig’s Champions League tie against Liverpool, Nagelsmann was asked whether he would consider himself a candidate.
He simply said: ‘No’.
However, he did also comment on Klopp’s links to the job, saying: ‘Klopp is an exceptional coach but I think Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp are content with their partnership. You should ask Jurgen.’
Who will eventually succeed Low as Germany boss remains to be seen, but with Liverpool legend Gerrard proving so successful with Rangers, and with Klopp struggling at Anfield, perhaps it’s not such an unlikely concept.