Uli Hoeness claims Bayern nearly hired Jürgen Klopp in 2008 | OneFootball

In 2008, after Jürgen Klopp stepped down from his position at Mainz, he joined Borussia Dortmund, where he won five trophies, including two Bundesliga titles, and guided his side to the 2013 Champions League final – losing to rivals Bayern.

It’s hard to believe that Klopp could have ever been named Bayern manager, however, according to Bayern president Uli Hoeness, that nearly became a reality.

“Personally, I appreciate Jürgen Klopp very much. I had arranged a partnership with him many years ago, but then we hired Jürgen Klinsmann.

“I have already expressed great respect for him and his work,” Hoeness told Sport 1.

The 67-year-old then clarified that Bayern are not considering bringing in Klopp to replace under-fire Bayern manager Niko Kovač.

“We’re not thinking about that right now. We are satisfied with our coach. We live in the here and now, and we should keep it that way.”

Klopp’s Liverpool squad are set to face Bayern in one of the biggest Champions League round-of-16 fixtures this season.

The tie will commence in England on 19 February, with the second leg taking place in Germany on 13 March.