Jurgen Klopp's decision to enjoy his time away from football or go back to management, either with the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) or Germany, is becoming increasingly complicated by the day .
Germany was eliminated from Euro 2024 after its 2-1 loss to Span in the quarter-final and it didn't take long for those on social media to call for Julian Nagelsmann to be removed after a less-than-stellar showing from the host nation. In the same vein, those calling for Nagelsmann's dismissal suggest Klopp is the right man for the job.
Klopp has stated before he will take the rest of the year to recover from his highly successful stint at Liverpool and will only assess his choices when the time is right. If the German Football Association calls with a potential opening, that is an opportunity the former manager will think hard about taking.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp's comments on international job after 'pitch' to become USA manager
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp has unexpected stance on taking USA job after Copa America humiliation
The Athletic recently reported Germany or the USA are the only two international jobs Klopp would take. Managing the German side perhaps would be more appealing to him considering the foundation the team has established throughout the years and the fact it is his home country.
However, he has also made it clear in the past he is a big fan of the United States as a country and the chance to live Stateside and guide the country into the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil could bring a different appeal. He seemed to openly flirt with the job with a Fourth of July post sharing his love for America.
But Germany's premature Euro 2024 exit, and subsequent pressure on Nagelsmann, complicates the USA's hopes of tempting Klopp to take the job, if that is a path U.S. Soccer decides to take.
One of the main reasons why Klopp departed from Anfield was because of the workload. "It's out of the question that I'll stop working altogether. But I don't see myself continuing at the same pace as before at the moment," the 57-year-old told the Willipedia podcast after his departure.
He has already addressed the Germany job previously. Asked about replacing Joachim Low in 2019, Klopp said: "I really can not say [if international management would be appealing]. I do not know if I would like to. Now, as of today, I do not feel like it.
"As of now, I'm totally happy with what I do and that's important in the whole story. I also could not say one hundred per cent if I was the right one [to replace Joachim Low]. If the question ever arises, I would think about it — but not now."
If Klopp were to take the Germany position - provided it is open when he decides to return from his break - it would be a relatively easier job for him than if he were to pursue an opportunity with the USMNT . Simply put, the USMNT is in a state of flux after a disappointing showing at the Copa America .
Shortly after the American's loss to Uruguay to cap off an underwhelming appearance at the tournament, many fans and pundits have called for manager Gregg Berhalter to be axed. Among the names floated to replace him are Klopp and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola , if the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) does decide to part ways with the 50-year-old.
Multiple sources told FOX Sports that the USSF will take its time to assess the job Berhalter has done and its belief in him before making a decision. The federation reportedly will decide on Berhalter's fate in the coming week.
Should the USSF dismiss Berhalter and hire Klopp , the German will have to rework the USMNT's core, in terms of a foundation. USMNT star Christian Pulisic hinted changes needed to be made as the team attempts to recover from a woeful showing with the World Cup just two years away.
"Now it's just about getting a little bit of rest and regrouping and finding an identity again, we have some big things ahead. So looking forward to that," the emotional star told FOX Sports after the loss. What's more, Jesse Marsch, Canada's manager outlined how Klopp could see himself in a more difficult position in the United States.
"I'm disappointed by the performances, by the lack of discipline," Marsch said. "There's a lot of things that I think we've tried to be about, about the game in the US, and we've always believed in this group of players.
"Because I'm not there every day, I don't have my finger on the pulse of exactly what's going on but, certainly, it's not what we had expected before this tournament. And somehow, they've got to come up with solutions."
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