Jurgen Klopp’s next move clear as Xavi ‘U-turns and chooses to stay at Barcelona’
This article contains affiliate links, and we will receive a commission on any sales generated from it. The 56-year-old had been tipped to take over from Barcelona boss Xavi after the Spaniard announced that he would be quitting the Nou Camp in the summer.
But the former midfielder has reportedly performed a U-turn and has decided to remain in Catalonia. Klopp, who is revered by the red half of Merseyside, led Liverpool to their first-ever Premier League title in 2020 and guided the team to Champions League glory a year earlier.
He has also achieved success in other competitions since taking the top job in 2015 by winning the Club World Cup, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup. However, in January, the German announced his decision to end his Anfield tenure, stating that he was “running out of energy.”
Little over 24 hours after Klopp’s announcement, Xavi explained that he, too, would be leaving his role after Barcelona had conceded three late goals during a 5-3 defeat at home to Villarreal. Reports suggest that Barcelona president Joan Laporta had considered Klopp as a ‘dream’ candidate to manage the Spanish giants.
However, on Wednesday evening, Laporta met with Xavi, and the 2010 World Cup winner accepted conditions and agreed to stay in his current role beyond the summer. Klopp transformed Liverpool into one of the best teams of the Premier League era and may be in demand come summer.
Potential opportunities for Klopp could include the role of Germany boss, which would be less intense away from major tournaments. However, after nine years on Merseyside, Klopp has expressed a desire to take a break from managing a club or country for at least a year.
