Aubameyang urges Klopp to accept 'incredible' job after Liverpool exit

07 February 2024 , 19:00

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Jurgen Klopp has been urged to join Barcelona (Image: Getty Images)

Former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has advised Barcelona to appoint Jurgen Klopp as their new manager when Xavi leaves at the end of the season.

Xavi announced last month that he will be stepping down as Barcelona boss in the summer - less than a year after winning the La Liga title. Speaking after his side's 5-3 loss against Villarreal, Xavi said: "I will leave Barcelona in June. We have reached a point of no return. It's time for change. As a Cule, I think that it's time to leave. I spoke with the board and the club today. I will leave on the 30th of June."

The news of Xavi's departure came a matter of days after Jurgen Klopp confirmed he will be departing Liverpool at the end of the campaign. The German, who has won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup among other major trophies since taking over from Brendan Rodgers in October 2015, admitted he is "running out of energy" and quitting is a decision he is "convinced" is the right one to take.

Klopp has vowed not to manage another Premier League club and he is expected to take some time out from the game. However, the 56-year-old hasn't suggested he will retire from management and could be tempted to jump back in, with his name heavily linked with replacing Xavi at Barcelona.

And Aubameyang, who joined Barcelona when he left Arsenal, believes Klopp would be the perfect appointment for his former club. "Klopp gives you everything, energy, he has won great titles, he is a good coach," Aubameyang told Jijantes. "If there is a chance for Barca he is a good option, I was very comfortable with him in Dortmund. It would be incredible if he could come."

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Jurgen Klopp will leave Liverpool in the summer (Getty Images)

Aubameyang spent eight months at Barcelona, scoring an impressive 13 goals in 24 appearances before signing for Chelsea in September 2022. The Gabon international struggled at Stamford Bridge and left the Blues last July and joined French outfit Marseille on a three-year contract.

Reflecting on his time at Camp Nou, Aubameyang said: "I think the problem that prevented me from continuing at Barca was the financial issue. I was one of the few players that the club could sell, otherwise I think I could have stayed for more years. I don't have any reproaches for Barca, that's life.

"I have spent a little time here but the most important thing is the good memories I have left with. The season is not over yet for Barca. There is still the League and the Champions League, we have suffered but we have to give everything to win something. I think of Xavi and he is a great person, you have to trust him."

Kieran King