Barcelona sporting director Deco has ruled out the notion of hiring Jurgen Klopp as Xavi’s replacement this summer.
The German manager confirmed his departure from Liverpool at the end of the season, ending his nine-year tenure at the club. Klopp stated that he no longer has the energy to devote to the job after nearly a decade in it.
Klopp has become a tremendously successful manager in England after being hired to succeed Brendan Rodgers by Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group. He has won several major titles at Anfield, including the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League the following year.
Liverpool was also steered to Carabao and FA Cup victories in 2022, as well as the club’s sole Club World Cup triumph to date. Since his announcement in January, Klopp has won the Carabao Cup once more and has been connected to management positions at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and the German national team.
Following Xavi’s announcement earlier this year that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is thought to be one of the top candidates for the role, alongside Pep Guardiola and Klopp. However, the current Premier League trio have been ruled out by Deco.
“Obviously you can appreciate top managers like Guardiola, Klopp and Arteta but they’re not available,” the Spaniard told Què t’hi Jugues. “There’s no talk with them, and mentioning them is worthless. We’re not speaking with any managers.”
According to reports, communication has been made with Arteta regarding a prospective summer move, while Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has been mooted as an alternative for Barcelona, having also been connected with Liverpool. Hansi Flick, a former Bayern Munich and Germany coach, was also considered, with president Joan Laporta reportedly admiring the now unemployed manager.
