Outgoing Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp hasn't spoken to clubs - Heidel

Posted Saturday, April 18, 2015 by ESPN

Jurgen Klopp did not hold talks with any other clubs before announcing his Borussia Dortmund departure, his former Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel has told kicker.

Klopp unexpectedly revealed on Wednesday that he will part company with Dortmund on June 30 following a disappointing Bundesliga season that sees the club in 10th.

His announcement has since led to speculation over which club he might next manage, with the German previously outlining his intention to one day coach in the Premier League.

Klopp's first managerial job was at Mainz when he was appointed by Heidel, and the pair have remained friends since they parted ways as colleagues in 2008.

Heidel said: "What I know is that Jurgen Klopp has not talked to other clubs. The decision does not hinge on what he does in the future."

Klopp's decision to leave Dortmund after seven years was not a surprise to Heidel, who added: "He is someone who questions himself all the time. He sees a team, he sees the results. And he asks: Could it be down to me?"

Meanwhile, Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has said that BVB are set to announce Klopp's successor next week.

"I don't know who will be our new coach, and even if I knew I wouldn't say it," he said in quotes reported by the Osthessen Zeitung. "It will not be a coach from the second tier, and he'll speak German."

Former Mainz coach Thomas Tuchel, who took over from Klopp's successor Jorn Andersen in 2009 and is set to end his sabbatical following his departure from the Coface Arena in 2014, has been tipped for the role.

"I warn everyone to only think in the Tuchel direction. We won't wait for a solution forever. I think next week we'll transport a solid and proper solution," Watzke said.