Jurgen Klopp Reportedly Targeted by Manchester United, Barcelona and Tottenham
Manchester United will reportedly lure Jurgen Klopp to Old Trafford if David Moyes is given the boot before next season.
The Red Devils have endured a difficult first season under the Scotsman's tutelage and are said to be eyeing Borussia Dortmund's charismatic leader, reported by Darren Lewis and Martin Lipton of the Mirror:
Quote:
Manchester United will turn to Dortmund’s Jurgen Klopp if they decide the gamble on David Moyes cannot go on.
As it emerged the Reds met Holland manager Louis Van Gaal for discussions last week, Moyes’ future as manager was thrown into fresh doubt.
But while Van Gaal would be a candidate, Mirror Sport understands it is Klopp who is the first choice of the Old Trafford hierarchy.
|
Spanish publication Sport, via Liam Prenderville of the Mirror, also believes Barcelona are chasing Klopp's services after Gerardo Martino's ill-fated reign took another blow during the Blaugrana's loss to Granada:
Quote:
Martino will get a chance to redeem himself in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid on Wednesday but many feel a defeat would be the final straw for the Argentinian.
And according to Sport, Borussia Dortmund boss Klopp would be the front-runner to replace him.
|
Such news is sure to provide many fans with a tinge of false hope. In particular, United's followers will be craving Klopp's ambitious mentality and brand of football, which far outweighs what Moyes has offered this season and would certainly suit United's historic attacking style.
The German coach is the type of leader who never believes his side are beaten. As witnessed during Dortmund's 2-0 Champions League quarter-final second-leg victory over Real Madrid—who were 3-0 up after the initial tie—Klopp isn't afraid to aim straight for the jugular.
His tactics during Dortmund's following game with Bayern Munich also highlighted a more thrilling approach to Moyes. Klopp's men looked to attack the German champions quickly when in possession, making most of the limited ball they were destined to receive. The strategy yielded an impressive 3-0 win, whereas just days earlier, Moyes' cautious approach saw United comfortably beaten 3-1.
Potential transfer targets are sure to be more excited by Klopp's strategy. Speaking after the match, Marco Reus hinted Moyes' defensive tactics were never designed to win United the tie, per Ben Burrows of the Mirror:
"I think the way we played today was the only way you can get something against Bayern," Reus said. "Sitting deep doesn't work."
Considering the electric German forward is linked with a move to United in Burrows' article, it would seem an unattractive style is not going to help the English side on their summer rebuild. United, famous for their quick counter-attacks and incisive wing play, have suffered a totally out-of-character first year under Moyes.
Klopp also enjoyed a prosperous relationship with Shinji Kagawa while at the Westfalenstadion, a potentially key point as the Japanese international continues to struggle in Manchester.
Rob Draper of the Daily Mail acknowledged Louis van Gaal will also be considered for the managerial position if it becomes vacant:
Quote:
|
Van Gaal is in prime position to take over at Tottenham after his World Cup campaign with Holland. But negotiations have slowed in recent weeks and it seems as though Van Gaal is unsure whether to commit in case the United job becomes vacant.
|
Meanwhile, Paul Jiggins of The Sun (subscription required) says Spurs "want Jurgen Klopp to be their new boss." The Dortmund manager would undoubtedly be in high demand if he became available, but a potential suitor other than the German club will need to act boldly to secure his future.
Right now, the introduction of Klopp is exactly what many United and Spurs fans would love to see. His natural ambition, development of players and exciting style of play are required at two of the Premier League's most prestigious clubs.
Even so, a dramatic turn of events is needed at either side if we are to see the 46-year-old installed. United would surely have ditched Moyes by now if the change was going to take place, suggesting the Old Trafford hierarchy are yet to grow tired of the new manager's output.
Barcelona appear the most likely to land someone of Klopp's ilk. Tata Martino is likely to be ditched if the Spanish giants lose Wednesday's Copa del Rey final to Real Madrid—effectively ending their hopes of winning three trophies across three matches—suggesting the Camp Nou hot seat could be ready for a new posterior by the time the summer hits.
Code:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2029633-jurgen-klopp-reportedly-targeted-by-manchester-united-barcelona-and-tottenham