New Man Utd owner heaps praise on Jurgen Klopp & responds to phone call question

Manchester United's new part-owner Jim Ratcliffe has praised Jurgen Klopp's ability to 'drive his players into a frenzy' but batted off suggestions he could try to recruit the departing Liverpool manager.

INEOS CEO Ratcliffe recently took charge of sporting matters at Manchester United following his 27.7% takeover, while major changes are expected at Liverpool's rivals under the new leadership.

Manager Erik Ten Hag remains under pressure amid an underwhelming season, with some reports claiming England manager Gareth Southgate is in the frame to replace him at Old Trafford.

Speaking on The Geraint Thomas Cycling Club podcast to discuss his plans for United, 71-year-old Ratcliffe hailed Klopp as he discussed managers who get the most out of their teams.

He said: “You saw it recently when Man City didn’t have [Erling] Haaland or [Kevin] De Bruyne – the wheels did come off a little bit for Pep [Guardiola]. And yet we won that tournament in 1999 without Keane and Scholes, and you know, you’ve got to attribute quite a bit of that to Alex [Ferguson]. He was such a driver of his players, a great, great coach.

“I didn’t actually see the match, but I read quite a bit about the ‘Northern Derby’ between Liverpool and City at the weekend.

“One of the commentaries I read was that only three or four of the Liverpool players would get into the Manchester City team, but Klopp has this ability to drive his players to a frenzy hasn’t he? Total commitment on the pitch. And, you know, that’s one of the things a good coach can do.”

Thomas then asked if Ratcliffe would call Klopp, with the Liverpool boss stepping aside at the end of the season.

“You can’t ask questions like that Geraint,” Ratcliffe joked before moving on quickly.

Who will Jurgen Klopp manage after leaving Liverpool?

Although only a light-hearted exchange between Ratcliffe and Thomas, it should be noted that Klopp has expressly said he will not manage another club in England after leaving Liverpool.

“Whatever will happen in the future I don’t know now, but no club, no country, for the next year, and no other English club ever,” the German told reporters at the press conference following the announcement of his impending exit.

“I can promise that, even if I have nothing to eat that will not happen.”

Klopp has been tipped to take on the Germany national team after his sabbatical from football, while Bayern Munich has been touted as another possible destination should he wish to continue in club management.