Jurgen Klopp ‘lined up for immediate’ return to management with European giants just minutes after quitting Liverpool

JURGEN KLOPP has emerged as a managerial candidate for Barcelona, reports suggest.

Klopp shocked the world of football by announcing he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta considers Jurgen Klopp a ‘dream’ manager[/caption]

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Jurgen Klopp has announced his shock decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season[/caption]

The German took over at Anfield in October 2015 but he has now decided to call time on his Reds career.

This surprise move has opened the door for Barcelona to make an attempted swoop for the 56-year-old.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is a long-term admirer of Klopp.

And given the club’s struggles with current boss Xavi Hernandez, the Blaugrana may be prompted into a change of leadership at the end of the season.

Laporta, 61, is said to be a huge admirer of German coaches in general given their success, ability to control dressing rooms and launch projects.

Klopp has more than proven his ability to launch a project with Liverpool, restoring them to being both English and European heavyweights.

Indeed, the report adds Laporta considers Klopp a “dream” manager for Barcelona.

However, no move has been made by the reigning La Liga champions to make this a reality.

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Klopp himself appeared to suggest he would be taking a break from football once his spell with Liverpool is concluded.

In an emotional farewell video, Klopp said: “I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people in this moment, when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it – or at least try to explain it.

“I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff.

“I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.

“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.

“After the years we had together and after all the time we spent together and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth.”

If Klopp were to take charge of Barcelona, he would face the possibility of playing Liverpool in the Champions League.

The former Borussia Dortmund boss told Liverpool chiefs of his decision to quit in November.

Assistant manager Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, as well as elite development coach Vitor Matos, will also join Klopp in departing.

He oversaw the Reds’ first league win in 30 years in 2020 – a year after guiding them to Champions League glory.

Klopp’s Liverpool are currently top of the Premier League.

Crucially, a title at the end of this season would put the Reds on 20 English league titles, drawing them level with rivals Manchester United for the most titles won.

They have also reached the knockout rounds of the Europa League, are still in the FA Cup and have reached the Carabao Cup final where they will play against Chelsea.

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