Despite having stepped away from the touchline more than a year ago and currently serving as Red Bull`s Global Head of Football since October 2024, Jürgen Klopp`s name consistently features in discussions about potential coaches for Europe`s elite clubs. The prospect of the German manager returning to lead a team at some point in the future cannot be entirely dismissed.
According to the Italian newspaper `La Stampa`, Klopp`s return to coaching could be imminent, with AS Roma reportedly his next destination. This would be a seismic move on a global scale, and Italian sources suggest it is close to being finalised. However, other parties involved in the situation have come forward to refute this information.
Farewell Ranieri… Hello Klopp?
Last Sunday, Claudio Ranieri bid farewell to the Roma faithful. The fans, who filled the Stadio Olimpico, wanted to express their gratitude for the immense contribution the veteran Italian coach has made, not only this season but throughout his various spells defending the Roman club`s colours. “A great leader… a true Romanista,” read the message bidding farewell to the 73-year-old coach. A symbol for the city, an example of values and generosity, Ranieri made a gesture of love for the club by coming out of retirement last November to try and steer a struggling Roma side back on course.
Now, after a fitting tribute, he departs on a high note, receiving the recognition he deserves. But football never stops, and the Giallorossi are already contemplating his replacement. That name could potentially be Klopp. Although the German had announced his intention to take a prolonged break, the approach from a historic club like Roma might have altered his plans, potentially opening him up to leading a project in the Italian capital.
`La Stampa` went further, reporting that the Friedkins (the club owners) had potentially dropped hints about the future coach via a video posted on social media. The video featured several iconic places in the `Eternal City`: Kolosseum, Lupa, Olimpico, Pietro (San), Pantheon. The initials of these names form the word “Klopp,” the great dream for the capital`s bench which, according to the newspaper, could become reality. The headline used to announce the information was even bolder: “Habemus mister” (We have a manager).
Coach`s Agent Denies the Signing
Just hours after the news broke, Jürgen Klopp`s representative, Mark Kosicke, came forward to deny any kind of agreement with Roma, stating: “The news that has come out about Jürgen is not true.”
Furthermore, Fabrizio Romano, one of the journalists with the best contacts regarding transfers, corroborated what Mark Kosicke had said, assuring that currently there is no link whatsoever between the successful German coach and `La Loba` (The She-Wolf, Roma`s nickname). We will have to wait and see if these statements completely quell the rumour, or if they are not definitive and there remains hope for a possible Klopp-Roma union in the near future.
