Jurgen Klopp dropped a bombshell. In an interview with the Diary of a CEO podcast, the former Liverpool coach revealed that he turned down Manchester United in 2014. The reason? The club's philosophy did not suit him. But above all, one name crystallized his refusal: Paul Pogba. The German, who is not in the habit of publicly attacking players, clearly suggested that the French midfielder embodied everything he did not want in his project. A declaration which comes at the worst time for Pogba, who has been away from the field for two years and whose return is constantly postponed.
Terrible timing for Pogba
Klopp recounts his meeting with Manchester United leaders after the departure of David Moyes. “United was, 'We take all the players we want, him, him, him,' and I was sitting there going, 'huh?'. It wasn't my plan. I didn't want to bring Paul Pogba back. Pogba is a sensational player, my God, but this sort of thing doesn't usually work. »
A direct charge. Klopp does not mince his words. For him, Pogba represented the star system, a player who does not blend into the collective, everything he refused to build.
Paul Pogba didn't need that. For two years, he has had a series of problems: reduced suspension for doping, repeated injuries, constantly delayed return. He is focusing on his comeback, away from the spotlight, and now Klopp cites him as an example of what he didn't want. The former 2018 world champion, who nevertheless proved that he could lead a team to the top with the Blues, finds himself stigmatized by one of the most respected coaches in the world. A stray bullet that hurts.
Klopp's claw: Pogba, the reason for his refusal to United!
Klopp wanted a project, not stars
The German went on to explain that Manchester United's idea at the time was to
“gather the best players and go for it”. Cristiano Ronaldo was also mentioned in the same logic. “Bringing back stars never works,” he insisted. A year later, Klopp joined Liverpool, where he built a united collective, without oversized ego. And he won: Premier League, Champions League. His method paid off. But was it necessary to put Pogba down publicly?
Knowing Pogba's character, he might not remain silent in the face of these attacks. The former Manchester United midfielder never hesitated to respond when provoked. Klopp has just given him a golden opportunity to defend himself. It remains to be seen whether the Frenchman will react or prefer to concentrate on his return. One thing is certain: this release will get people talking.
