Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has stressed that he had never thought about the possibility of become the Germany head coach. The 51-year-old had been recently linked with the national team role after their poor showing at the 2018 World Cup but the German Football Federation have since kept their faith on long-standing manager Joachim Loew.

Speaking to German outlet Bild, Klopp indicated that the Germany role was never on his mind and he is content with his position with Liverpool. He added that keeping Loew at the helm of Germany was the right decision made despite the poor performance at the recent World Cup, he said: “Honestly, I have never thought about it. I am happy at Liverpool — everything else we shall see.I was relaxed as I expected it. I think it is absolutely the right decision.”

Meanwhile, concluding his interview, Klopp went on to defend the harsh criticism towards Mesut Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan, who have been urged to retire after they were pictured meeting controversial Turkish president RecepTayyip Erdogan, he added: “That’s complete nonsense. Intelligent people in this country demand tolerance and others should best keep their mouth shut and don’t question these lads. We shouldn’t forget that the pair do have Turkish roots, even though they grew up in Germany. But it’s always this way, whoever shouts the loudest makes the most noise. But that is and never was my thing.”

Following the early World Cup exit, Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff admitted that the country may have made the mistake to include Ozil for the World Cup amidst the controversy but the midfielder has stayed mum regarding the issue as he prepares for another Premier League season with Arsenal. Ozil has been included in the travelling party for the Gunners pre-season tour of the Far East.