"One of the big beasts" - Richard Keys wants England FA to make ex-Liverpool boss new manager as Gareth Southgate steps down from role
Football pundit Richard Keys has called for Jurgen Klopp to become the next England manager following Gareth Southgate's exit. Southgate announced his decision to step down from the post following the Three Lions' Euro 2024 final defeat to France.
Writing on his blog on Tuesday after the Englishman's departure, Keys backed Klopp to take up the vacant England managerial post. He believes the German tactician would favor international management, writing:
"The outstanding candidate for me is Jurgen Klopp. I don't buy into the theory that an England manager has to be English. That view borders on racist. Anyway, his nationality apart, Klopp is an English as they come now! I'm also aware that he said he wanted a break from the day to day, never ending demands of club football. Well, what is international management if it's not that?
"I think Klopp will already be missing football and his loss will only feel worse once teams start reporting back and playing again. Klopp is one of the big beasts. He'd love a crack at international management surely? I reckon it would get his juices flowing again."
The United States men's side were also reportedly interested in appointing Jurgen Klopp as their new head coach, but he opted against the move. The Athletic report that the German is not ready for a return to the touchline.
Gareth Southgate leaves England job after EURO 2024 final loss
Gareth Southgate announced his decision to leave the England job on Tuesday, July 16. The Englishman felt the team needed a change, saying in his official statement (via Sky Sports):
"As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it's time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday's final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager. I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways."
Gareth Southgate managed to take England to the EURO 2020 and 2024 finals. However, he could not get them over the line, as they ended up losing to Italy and Spain, respectively, in the summit clash.