Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool boss, may soon be returning to the dugout in a surprising move. Although he’s currently serving as the Global Head of Football at Red Bull, reports surfaced in April that he was dissatisfied with the role and eager to return to coaching.
Klopp was briefly linked to the Real Madrid job as a potential replacement for Carlo Ancelotti, but that position ultimately went to Xabi Alonso. Now, however, new reports suggest Klopp has already lined up his next position.
Klopp to Take Over at AS Roma?
Italian media, as cited by Optus Sport, are reporting that Klopp is set to become AS Roma’s new manager at the end of the season. According to La Stampa, an agreement has already been reached between Klopp and Roma’s owners, the Friedkin Group — who also own Everton.
Roma’s season started poorly, prompting the dismissal of Ivan Juric after just 12 games. Claudio Ranieri, a club legend and the manager behind Leicester City’s historic Premier League win, came out of retirement for a third stint with the club. Since taking over, Ranieri has led Roma to an impressive run, losing just seven of 35 games and going unbeaten in 21 consecutive league matches. They now sit just one point outside a Champions League qualification spot heading into the season finale.
Ranieri was given a hero’s sendoff in his final game at the Stadio Olimpico, a 3-1 victory over AC Milan. If Klopp takes over, reports suggest that Ranieri could remain involved at the club in an advisory role due to his iconic status.
La Stampa also reported that the decision to bring Klopp on board was made weeks ago, but he only gave his official approval on Sunday. If confirmed, Klopp would be following in the footsteps of previous Roma managers like Jose Mourinho and Luis Enrique, both of whom were unable to deliver the long-coveted Serie A title.
