Why did Jurgen Klopp leave Liverpool? How new Germany coach felt burned out by Reds success

Jurgen Klopp will be returning to the dugout for the first time since his departure from Liverpool in 2024, as the 59-year-old has been hired to lead the German national team through the 2030 World Cup cycle.

With Germany crashing out of the 2026 World Cup in the Round of 32, falling on penalties to Paraguay, the DFB moved on from head coach Julian Nagelsmann.

They managed to convince Klopp to come out of semi-retirement, as the former Liverpool boss had been at the helm of Red Bull's global football operations since his Anfield exit.

With Klopp set to lead his home country of Germany in his first international appointment, it's worth a look back at what drove him to leave Liverpool, where he had coached his way into club history.

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When did Jurgen Klopp leave Liverpool?

Jurgen Klopp left his post as Liverpool manager in the summer of 2024, following the conclusion of the 2023/24 Premier League season.

By the end of his tenure, he had won one Champions League title and two Premier League titles, finishing second to Manchester City on two other occasions and coming third twice as well.

He was hired that October as Head of Global Football with Red Bull, leading the consortium's football operations. Red Bull hold at least part ownership in eight different football clubs, most notably being RB Lepizig in Germany, RB Salzburg in Austria, New York Red Bulls in the United States, and Red Bull Bragantino in Brazil. They also own a minority stake in Premier League club Leeds United, and a 10.6% stake in French club Paris FC, plus full ownership of Japaneze club RB Omiya Ardija and a second, smaller Austrian side FC Liefering.

MORE: Five things Jurgen Klopp must do to revitalise Germany

Why Jurgen Klopp 'ran out of energy' at Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp did not mince words upon the announcement of his Liverpool exit in January of 2024, offering a clear explanation for his pending departure.

"I love absolutely everything about this club," Klopp told Liverpool's in-house media team. "I love everything about this city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff. I love everything. That I still take this decision probably shows you that I'm convinced it’s the one I have to take. It is that I'm… how can I say… I'm running out of energy."

Klopp said he was "fine" at the time of the announcement, assuring Liverpool fans he was in good shape to finish out the 2023/24 season, but made it clear that "I cannot do the job again and again and again and again."

Clearly, the job was taking a toll on Klopp, as the everyday ins and outs of club management were wearing him down.

Klopp is an intense person, both in football and in everyday life. He is extremely well-liked by fans and media across the world, but he is known to experience extreme highs and lows on the touchline. Klopp was often seen celebrating exuberantly when his team scored goals, but also could be known to rage at officials, remonstrate the media, or call out fans when he felt necessary.

It was clear that Klopp enjoyed the relaxed nature of his position at the helm of Red Bull's global football operation, as he repeatedly stated he had no interest in returning to club football. Leading a national team federation — especially his home country of Germany — has to be a perfect fit for Klopp, allowing him to return to management but not suffer under the grind of club coaching.

How old is Jurgen Klopp?

Upon his hire by the German national federation, Klopp is 59 years old. He was born on June 16, 1967, in Stuttgart, Germany.

He was 48 when he took over as Liverpool manager.

Jurgen Klopp record at Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp finished his Liverpool career as one of the most successful managers in club history.

While Bill Shankly still holds many of the club's records with his incredible career in charge, Klopp came much closer to Shankly's untouchable numbers than anyone since.

Klopp's 491 games in charge rank fourth in club history, and were the most of any Liverpool boss since Bob Paisley logged 534 by his exit in 1983. His 305 wins are also fourth-most in Reds' history, again the most since Paisley won 307 in 40 more games managed.

Jurgen Klopp trophies won at Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp was wildly successful at Liverpool. He won every single trophy available to the club at the domestic level, and brought the Reds a European triumph with a famous 2018/19 Champions League title.

Overall, he won seven major trophies with the club, eight if you count the Community Shield, while reaching the final of a knockout tournament six other times and finishing second in the league table twice more.