EPL
Jurgen Klopp ‘will return to management’ next campaign if one European giant makes approach
Jurgen Klopp surprised the football world in January when he announced his departure from Liverpool at the end of the season, citing that he was “running out of energy.”
However, there’s a twist to this story: Klopp would cancel his planned sabbatical and return to management next season if a European giant expresses interest in his services.
He explained: “It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.”
Despite winning the Champions League and Premier League during his nine-year tenure at Liverpool, Klopp had planned to take a break from the game. He also stated that he would never manage another side in England.
He said: “If you ask me, ‘Will you ever work as a manager again?’ I would say now, no. But I don’t know obviously how that will feel because I never had the situation.
“What I know definitely – I will never, ever manage a different club in England than Liverpool, 100 per cent. That’s not possible.”
According to transfer expert Gerard Romero (via Anything Liverpool), there is one club that could entice Klopp to make an immediate return to management next season: Barcelona.
Romero claims that Barcelona is the only club that could convince Klopp to forgo his planned year-long break.
He also mentioned that Klopp has reportedly had discussions with Barcelona president Joan Laporta and is very interested in the managerial vacancy at Barcelona.
Meanwhile, current Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez announced in January that he would step down at the end of the season.
Xavi stated that the job has taken its toll on him, and he feels it’s the right time to step back for his mental health.
“In Barcelona, you always feel like you’re not valued, you’re mistreated – that’s how the club works,” he said.
“From a mental-health level, it’s tough too. I am a positive guy, but the battery levels keep running out – and at some point, you realise there’s no point in staying.”
EPL
Man Utd’s entire squad ‘is up for sale’ – with just 3 names ‘off limits’ (Details)
Manchester United are reportedly considering a significant squad overhaul this summer, with only three players considered off-limits.
The club’s new leadership, led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and incoming CEO Omar Berrada, is said to be prepared to make bold decisions regarding player sales, especially with United facing restrictions due to Premier League spending rules.
The absence of Champions League football next season has dealt a blow to INEOS’ plans for a squad revamp, and the futures of many players, including manager Erik ten Hag, remain uncertain.
Agents and recruitment figures at rival clubs believe United’s management is open to most bids, indicating a potentially extensive shake-up of the squad.
Even Marcus Rashford, a key figure at United, could be allowed to leave if the right offer comes in. Reports suggest that United would seriously consider offers for the forward, particularly if he expresses a desire to move on.
Paris Saint-Germain is one of the clubs that could realistically meet Rashford’s valuation and wage demands.
While United still believe in Rashford and want him to succeed, his recent drop in form has been concerning. The club’s financial situation, with profits from homegrown player sales going towards Financial Fair Play regulations, could influence their decision to sell him.
United’s transfer plans include the desire to sign a new striker, central midfielder, and right-sided center back, but financial constraints may limit their ability to make big-money signings. The club may need to adopt a sell-to-buy strategy, especially if they miss out on European football next season.
Despite the potential for a squad overhaul, three young players – Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund – are reportedly seen as key to United’s future plans.
Rashford’s form has been compared unfavorably to Garnacho’s, who has impressed since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2020.
Rashford has faced criticism from fans and has struggled this season after signing a new contract. Manager Ten Hag has called for support for Rashford, acknowledging his past achievements and urging him to rediscover his best form.
Champions League
Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid (agg 4-4): Los Blancos through after shootout (Video)
Manchester City’s hopes of retaining the Champions League were dashed by Real Madrid in a thrilling quarter-final at Etihad Stadium that ended in a penalty shootout.
Despite going behind early to Rodrygo’s goal, City dominated the game and equalized through Kevin de Bruyne in the 76th minute. Their relentless attack, however, was met with a resilient defense from Real, who managed to hold on until the end of extra time.
The match was ultimately decided by penalties, with Luka Modric missing Real’s first spot-kick. However, City’s Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic failed to convert, allowing Rudiger to score the winning penalty for Real Madrid.
The defeat ended City’s hopes of securing another treble, as they now shift their focus to the Premier League and FA Cup. They face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday, needing to bounce back quickly from this disappointment.
Real Madrid vs Man City
EPL
Palmer overtakes three-season Havertz stat at Chelsea
Cole Palmer’s remarkable four-goal performance against Everton on Monday evening has propelled him to the top of the Premier League golden boot race.
With 20 goals to his name this season, he is now neck and neck with Erling Haaland in the race for the prestigious award.
His scoring spree also highlights his incredible impact at Chelsea, as he has now scored more league goals in his first seven months at the club than Kai Havertz managed in three seasons, tallying 19 goals.
Palmer’s outstanding form has been instrumental in Chelsea’s climb up the Premier League table, bringing them within just three points of sixth place.
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