Why I snubbed Manchester United – Klopp

Published

9 years ago

January 17, 2016

Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he turned down a chance to manage Manchester United, following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

The current Liverpool boss was approached by Ferguson to replace him at Old Trafford, but Klopp felt the timing was wrong to leave Borussia Dortmund.

Klopp eventually left Dortmund in 2015 and was appointed as Brendan Rodgers’ successor in October.

“We spoke. We spoke not a lot but, for me, it was a lot. It was a big honour, the whole talk, to be honest. But I could not leave Dortmund,” the German said.

“You are in April and you are in the middle of the planning for next season. You have this player and this player who are coming but then you are not there anymore? That doesn’t work. Not in my life.

“I didn’t hear about a real offer [from United]but, if there was, I could not have done it. I first had to finish the job with Dortmund and then think about other things.

“Maybe that is not smart but that is my way. It was the same at Mainz”, he added.

Klopp, however, hailed Ferguson as the ‘John Lennon of football’ and said it was a privilege to have a conversation with him.

“It’s a big honour to talk to Sir Alex,” he said.

NFF Denies Blacklisting Leon Balogun from Super Eagles

Published

2 months ago

February 18, 2025

lagoslately

Leon Balogun, whose sudden absence from the Super Eagles squad raised concerns, especially after his comments on players’ welfare, has been cleared by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). The NFF has denied that his exclusion is related to his outspoken interview.

In a statement, NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire addressed the rumors, stating that the claims were incorrect.

“The interview in question was in June 2021. Since then, Balogun has participated in seven games for the Super Eagles. This is verifiable. He was included in the squad for AFCON but missed out due to injury. He returned in 2022, playing in both World Cup qualifier matches against Ghana and in the AFCON qualifiers under coach Jose Peseiro,” Olajire explained.

He continued, “Claims that Balogun’s absence is due to his interview are unfair to the NFF. We do not make player selections for coaches, and the concerns raised by Balogun in that interview were addressed by us. No directive has been given by the NFF to blacklist him from the Super Eagles.”

With Eric Chelle’s list on the horizon, fans are hopeful for a potential Balogun return. His wealth of experience and continued presence in top-tier football make him a valuable asset, and many, including this writer, believe his inclusion would still be beneficial for the national team. Fingers crossed!

Sport

Ghana Coach Relieved to Avoid Nigeria in Group Stages

Published

2 months ago

February 15, 2025

lagoslately

Ghana’s Black Satellites head coach, Desmond Ofei, has expressed his team’s relief at not being in the same group as Nigeria for the upcoming U-20 AFCON.

This follows their 2-1 loss to Nigeria in the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship in Togo last year.

“We’re happy not to be in Group B because it’s a very competitive group,” Ofei shared with Joy Prime Sports. “I believe we’re in a position where we can control the flow of this tournament from our side.”

Ghana has been placed in Group A for the competition.