Klopp Rejects United, Critiques Transfers – The Real Story

In a revealing conversation, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp discusses his decision to reject an approach from Manchester United in 2013. Speaking on The Diary of a CEO podcast, Klopp stated it was the ‘wrong time, wrong moment’ to leave Borussia Dortmund. He also shared his concerns regarding United’s football project.

During his time at Dortmund, Klopp assembled a remarkable team and wasn’t prepared to abandon it. He emphasized that the conditions presented by United didn’t align with his vision: ‘It was the wrong time but on top of that it was not my project.’

Klopp also took the chance to critique Manchester United’s transfer strategy since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. He highlighted the signings of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba, noting:

‘Bringing them back never helps.’ Pogba joined for £89m in 2016, and Ronaldo’s return in 2021 raised eyebrows, marking another questionable decision in United’s failed transfers.

In a table presented below, you can see the timeline and financial details of these major transfers:

Klopp’s decision to join Liverpool was driven by the allure of a ‘pure football project.’ He recalled having an inspiring discussion with Liverpool’s co-owner Mike Gordon, which solidified his desire to manage the club. Under Klopp, Liverpool has seen remarkable success, including a long-awaited league title and a Champions League trophy.

As Manchester United continues to struggle, Klopp’s insights shed light on the challenges faced by the club. With their win against Liverpool at Anfield, it raises questions about whether this can mark a real turning point for their struggling squad.