Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp has decided to call time on his tenure at the eight time Bundesliga champions and will leave the club at the end of this season.
The 48-year old Stuttgart native has been in charge at the club since 2008 and has guided them to six major trophies, including winning back to back league campaigns in 2010-11 and 2011-12, as well as a DFB Pokal. On a personal note, Klopp has been voted German manager of the year twice for his efforts.
However, the writing has been on the wall this season. A disappointing start has resulted in Die Schwarzgelben sitting 10th in the table, compounded by five losses in a row between September and November 2014. When asked about his decision to step down, Klopp maintained that it wasn’t to join another club, but rather that he wasn’t right man to lead anymore, stating “I always said in that moment where I believe I am not the perfect coach anymore for this extraordinary club, I will say so”. He went on to state “I have not had any contact with any other clubs, nor have I any plans to take a sabbatical. I just wanted to make my decision known now so that the club can plan for the future”.
Klopp will no doubt be heavily sought after. Manchester City have already been linked with him but have moved to distance themselves from such rumours. Current boss Manuel Pellegrini is under pressure at the reigning English Premier League champions, who are looking less likely to retain their crown. If Pellegrini does leave the club this season, then Klopp could be a ready made replacement to take over.
Other clubs that could be interested in the services of the German include Real Madrid, who are famous for sacking managers who fail to meet the boards lofty expectations and Arsenal. Although Arsene Wenger has earned something of a reprieve from the Gunner’s fans since winning the FA Cup, it is the lack of a Premier League title or Champions League glory that could potentially cause the shock exit of Wenger.
