All good things come to an end. After seeing his beloved Borussia Dortmund be pillaged by champions Bayern Munich on a year-in, year-out basis, Jurgen Klopp has announced he will step down as club manager at season's end.
"That is something I have thought about in every phase here at Dortmund and decided in the last few weeks, days, that I was no longer able to be absolutely sure about that," Klopp said at a press conference (via the Guardian). "And then, because of the unusual relationship I have with this club, the trust we have for each other, it was my duty to tell the club."
All signs point to a Premier League job, with Manchester City emerging as the favorites according to oddsmakers (3/10 according to Sky Sports).
But there are enough reasons—three to be exact—for Klopp to look elsewhere for employment.
Aging Squad
Yaya Toure (31), David Silva (29), Gael Clichy (29), Pablo Zabaleta (30), Fernandinho (29), Jesus Navas (29), Vincent Kompany (29) and James Milner (29), are all key contributors at City. All are approaching, or have already surpassed the age of 30. Even Sergio Aguero (26) is rapidly approaching his prime. A talented group, yes, but City's future is about to be on the wrong side of 30.
Champions League
Klopp managed Dortmund to a Champions League final in 2013, something City desperately seek. That will remain the club's top priority in 2015-16. One problem: The threat of City missing out on the top four in England is very real. Poor form has dropped the Citizens to third in the table and the lead over a resurgent Liverpool is down to just four points. Dortmund will miss out on Champions League next season, but that doesn't mean Klopp has to.
Volatile Environment
Roberto Mancini won a Premier League title for City for the first time in 44 years. He was subsequently fired. Manuel Pellegrini did one better, winning the double in his first season as manager. If Klopp is handed the reins at the Etihad, Pellegrini will subsequently be fired as well. Is that the type of environment a manager wants to walk into?
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