Jurgen Klopp's managerial options after Liverpool exit - ranked

The majority of discussion around Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool exit regards what's next for the Reds. 

Will it be the dream heir Xabi Alonso? Could there be a left-field appointment like Zinedine Zidane? How will Liverpool cope without Klopp's dynamic personality and tactical prowess?

However, it can't be forgotten that Klopp will be moving on to a new chapter in his career.

While he has said he will take at least a year out of the game and may never even manage again, there is a good chance that we see him back in the dugout soon enough following his well-earned sabbatical.

But where might the German end up? Here's a ranking of which clubs Klopp could join after his Liverpool exit.

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6. BAYERN MUNICH

Given Klopp had to watch player after player of his leave Borussia Dortmund for Bayern Munich during his time in charge at Signal Iduna Park, joining up with the Bavarians seems more or less an impossibility.

His love for Dortmund is just as strong as his love for Liverpool and Mainz, so joining the enemy doesn't seem on-brand for Klopp.

Regardless, he has been linked with the Allianz Arena as Thomas Tuchel comes under increasing pressure, but given the earliest we will see him on the sidelines is 2025, the timelines don't quite match up.

Klopp has previously claimed that he was approached by Bayern on multiple occasions during his time at Liverpool, but was never interested in joining Die Roten.

"Which club should I go to, to have a different situation? I could have gone to Bayern a few times, I could have won more titles in my life, pretty sure I would say -- I didn't do it," said Klopp in 2022.

"I had a contract here [Liverpool]... and that's completely fine. The world is not full of winners, the world is full of triers hopefully. And I try and sometimes I win with some other people together. I am happy with that."

While strange things happen in football, seeing Klopp in a Bayern tracksuit would certainly be bizarre.

5. REAL MADRID

Klopp hasn't got particularly fond memories of Real Madrid during his time at Liverpool, the Spanish giants beating the Reds in Champions League finals in 2017/18 and 2021/22.

In fact, in his six meetings with Los Blancos since arriving at Liverpool in 2015, he has lost five and drawn one, with his only three victories over Madrid coming during his time as Borussia Dortmund boss.

However, with Carlo Ancelotti having signed a contract extension until 2026 and looking unlikely to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu beyond that point - if he even sees out the entirety of his deal - Klopp could be looking for a job just as Madrid are looking for a new coach.

While not a club one would generally associate with Klopp, especially given the stress it brings, there are few who wouldn't be tempted by the idea of taking over the 14-time European champions.

He would have plenty of funds, one of the best squads in the world and potentially Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe at his disposal - a truly tantalising proposition.

Madrid would be foolish not to consider Klopp as an option, but it still feels unlikely that the German ends up in the Spanish capital.

4. BARCELONA

Liverpool are not the only club looking for a new manager this summer, with Barcelona seeking a replacement for Xavi after the legendary midfielder announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the campaign.

However, given Klopp's desire to take a break from the high-pressured football world, joining Barcelona would be one of the last things on his mind.

Barcelona are reportedly admirers of the 56-year-old and could attempt to persuade him to re-think his sabbatical, but they would almost certainly be fighting a losing battle.

Barcelona's financial troubles would also make it difficult to recruit Klopp, with the prospect of working on a shoestring budget at a club that demands success every single season perhaps not too appetising.

The club's sporting director Deco has admitted that Klopp is a "great coach", but has played down rumours linking him with a move to Barcelona.

3. BORUSSIA DORTMUND

If Klopp is to return to Germany during his managerial career, there would likely be only two clubs he would consider joining: Dortmund and Mainz.

Both his former sides, the latter as a manager and player, Klopp is unlikely to return to relegation candidates Mainz in the foreseeable future, leaving Dortmund as a potential option.

Die Schwarzgelben's disaster on the final day of last season means that Klopp remains the only manager to have stopped Bayern winning the Bundesliga title since 2008/09.

With Edin Terzic doing a solid if unremarkable job at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund may also be looking for a new head coach in the coming seasons, and turning back to Klopp could be a masterstroke.

Given Bayern are not quite the force they once were, Klopp would be the strongest candidate available to end their monopoly on the German title.

However, whether Klopp would risk returning to Dortmund and potentially tarnishing his legacy remains to be seen.

2. ENGLAND

While Klopp said he would never manage another English club that isn't Liverpool, he could be lined up as Gareth Southgate's successor for the England national team.

While still not a very likely destination for the current Liverpool manager, the slower pace of international management may suit Klopp down to the ground.

With Southgate most likely stepping aside after Euro 2024, it would leave a vacancy in the hot set at Wembley Stadium, with Klopp's intimate knowledge of English football and its culture giving him a huge advantage in comparison to past foreign coaches of the Three Lions.

According to the bookies, Klopp is one of the favourites to become the next England manager, and he would certainly be excited by the prospect of working with an incredibly talented squad.

However, it still seems improbable that Klopp would succeed Southgate as England boss, especially given its considered the 'impossible job'.

1. GERMANY

Arguably the only job that Klopp is a genuine candidate for in the near future, Germany have been desperate to appoint the Liverpool boss for some time.

After the departure of Joachim Low, former Bayern boss Hansi Flick took on the role, but only lasted two years before getting the sack after a string of dismal results.

Julian Nagelsmann - who has been linked with the Liverpool job - is currently in charge heading into Euro 2024, which Germany will host, but he hasn't enjoyed the most impressive of starts to his reign.

Even if Nagelsmann does well at Euro 2024, the likelihood is that the DFB will favour a move for Klopp if there is any possibility of a deal being struck.

As mentioned, the more relaxing pace of international coaching suits a manger who is aiming to slow things down a little, while it could re-energise Klopp given he has never managed a national team previously.

All in all, the Germany job seems the most likely next step for Klopp if he chooses to continue his illustrious managerial career.