The end of Jurgen Klopp?! Legendary ex-Liverpool boss throws future of his managerial career into doubt as he insists he 'didn't quit on a whim'

When Klopp announced he was stepping down at the end of 2023-24, many thought he was simply taking a break from football. The ex-Liverpool boss said he was "running out of energy" when he confirmed the news back in January. But the German's absence might actually be permanent based on his most recent comments about his future in management.

Klopp etched his name into Liverpool folklore by guiding the Reds to Champions League glory in 2019 and their first league title in 30 years the following season. He turned the club into a major force that could compete year after year for the biggest trophies, and eventually the demands placed upon him took their toll. "I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again," he added in that January announcement.

It now seems like we may never see Klopp on the touchline again.

"As of today, that's it for me as a coach," he said about his future at the International Coaches' Congress in Germany, per ESPN. "I didn't quit on a whim, but it was a general decision. I've also coached the best clubs in the world.

"Maybe we can talk about it again in a few months. I still want to work in football and help people with my experience and contacts. Let's see what else there is for me."

He added: "I'm going to do some work. I'm too young to only do padel tennis and grandchildren. Will that be coach again? I would actually rule that out at the moment. Let's see what it will look like in a few months, but nothing is coming through at the moment."

The rumours linking Klopp with a new position will likely still circulate, despite his latest comments. The German has quashed reports linking him with the United States and England men's teams, and it's evident that he'd rather reflect on his achievements with Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool for now rather than get back on the touchline.