By Andrew Warshaw
April 16 – The race is on for one of the most colourful and charismatic coaches in European football after Jürgen Klopp announced he would be leaving Borussia Dortmund in the summer after seven years in charge.
Klopp’s contract expires in 2018 but he has asked to be released after a tough season by Borussia’s high standards.
The club are mid-table in the Bundesliga after hovering around the relegation zone earlier in the season and were knocked out of the Champions League by Juventus in the last 16.
Klopp has won the Bundesliga title twice and took Borussia to the all-German Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 2013.
“It’s not that I’m tired, I’ve not had contact with another club but don’t plan to take a sabbatical,” explained Klopp. “I always said that when I believe I am not the perfect coach any more for this extraordinary club I would say so.”
Klopp is already being linked with Manchester City, who have also under-achieved this season, though the defending Premier League champions are reported to be more interested in Pep Guardiola to replace Manuel Pellegrini.
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