Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has said that Jurgen Klopp "spoke heavily against" Liverpool's involvement in the new European Super League – hinting that the German boss could take over at the Champions League holders.
Klopp appeared to be disgruntled when he was asked about the hugely controversial plans following Liverpool's 1-1 draw at Leeds in the Premier League on Monday, when he mentioned his potential exit and said that he would try to "somehow" resolve the chaotic situation that the new league has created.
Now Rummenigge, who is seeking a replacement for outgoing Bayern coach Hansi Flick at the end of the season, has fueled rumors that the saga could lead to Klopp taking over at the dominant Bundesliga club in his homeland.
“We haven't decided on the coach yet," Rummenigge told Corriere della Sera, speaking days after Flick infuriated Bayern by announcing his departure in an interview following his side's win at Wolfsburg.
"First we win the championship and then we decide what to do. Of course, [Klopp] spoke heavily against his company.”
Klopp said he had "heard the situation that I would resign" and admitted that he felt "responsible" for Liverpool and their relationship with their fans, which has considerably worsened amid accusations of betrayal and greed against owners Fenway Sports Group over the plans, including protests outside Anfield in the aftermath of the announcement.
“If I’m a problem, I go – if I’m not, I stay," he added. "It’s a very tough time, I’m sure – but I will try to sort it somehow."
Germany legend Rummenigge confirmed that Bayern were not one the 12 clubs involved in the Super League plans.
“I do not believe the Super League will solve the financial problems of European clubs that have arisen as result of the coronavirus pandemic,” he said, calling on leaders to play a “less arrogant game”.
“All clubs in Europe should work in solidarity to ensure that the cost structure, especially players’ salaries and agents’ fees, are brought in line with revenues, to make all of European football more rational.
“Bayern welcomes the reforms of the Champions League because we believe they are the right step to take for the development of European football."
Klopp is now the shortest odds of any Premier League manager to leave their club next – and Liverpool-stalwart-turned-pundit Jamie Carragher warned that there would be outrage if the man who brought the club its first league title for 30 years were to abruptly depart.
"If Liverpool lose their manager on the back of this in the next 12 months, then the owners will be run out of that club in a week," Carragher warned while analyzing the draw with Leeds on Sky Sports.
"I can assure you of that. [The owners] have used everything Liverpool have done in their history, going to even before [legendary manager] Bill Shankly, to line their own pockets.
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"[They] got the club for a steal. It is now six or seven times bigger. They've made their money and they won the lottery with Liverpool."
Former defender Carragher pointed out that Klopp had "made his stance very clear" in 2019, when the ex-Dortmund boss said: "The Champions League is the Super League, in which you do not always end up playing against the same teams.
"Why should we create a system where Liverpool faces Real Madrid for 10 straight years? Who wants to see that every year?"
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