German manager who wanted to take over at Tottenham suggests he’d never want to take the Arsenal job
The managerial merry-go-round continues to spin at Tottenham Hotspur, with Ange Postecoglou’s position looking increasingly precarious as the season draws to a close. As speculation mounts about potential successors, one familiar name has made headlines for his emphatic rejection of Tottenham’s bitter rivals.
Jurgen Klinsmann, the German icon who lit up White Hart Lane in the 1990s, has categorically ruled out ever managing Arsenal in a revealing TikTok challenge that showcased his enduring allegiance to Spurs.
When presented with the hypothetical choice between leading Brazil to World Cup glory (and extending their record over his native Germany) or steering Arsenal to Champions League success, Klinsmann didn’t hesitate. “I would always go against Arsenal,” he declared with a laugh, adding he’d prefer any job in world football over the Emirates hotseat.
This visceral reaction speaks volumes about the lasting impact of Klinsmann’s time in North London, where he became a cult hero during two playing stints with Tottenham.
Klinsmann’s undefeated record against Arsenal as a player remains a point of pride for Spurs fans. During his time in lilywhite, the German striker faced the Gunners three times, emerging with one victory and two hard-fought draws.
His personal contribution of one goal in these fixtures belies the psychological impact he had on a rivalry that was heavily skewed in Arsenal’s favor during that era.
| Jurgen Klinsmann’s Record vs Arsenal as Player | |
|———————————————–|-|
| Games Played | 3 |
| Wins | 1 |
| Draws | 2 |
| Losses | 0 |
| Goals Scored | 1 |
The 59-year-old’s managerial career has taken him from the German national team to Bayern Munich and most recently to South Korea, where he worked with current Tottenham captain Heung-min Son.
While Klinsmann hasn’t managed in club football since leaving Hertha Berlin in 2020, his name periodically surfaces in connection with the Tottenham job, particularly during periods of uncertainty like the current situation.
Klinsmann’s comments highlight the unique nature of North London’s footballing divide. Unlike many modern professionals who move between rival clubs with little hesitation, some allegiances run too deep to ignore.
His stance contrasts sharply with contemporary managers like George Graham or Emmanuel Adebayor, who crossed the Tottenham-Arsenal divide, often to the dismay of supporters.
The timing of Klinsmann’s remarks adds intrigue to Tottenham’s ongoing search for stability. While not necessarily putting himself forward as a candidate, his unwavering loyalty to Spurs’ cause will resonate with fans frustrated by the club’s recent managerial turbulence.
Since Mauricio Pochettino’s departure in 2019, Tottenham have cycled through four permanent managers, with Postecoglou potentially becoming the fifth casualty if results don’t improve.
Klinsmann’s managerial record presents an interesting paradox. While his time with Germany (third place at the 2006 World Cup) and the United States (Round of 16 in 2014) showed promise, his club tenures have been more mixed.
His Bayern Munich stint lasted less than a season, while his brief spell at Hertha Berlin ended acrimoniously. Yet his understanding of Tottenham’s culture and his ability to inspire players – evidenced by Son’s development under his guidance with South Korea – could make him a sentimental favorite among some supporters.
As Tottenham contemplate another managerial change, Klinsmann’s comments serve as a reminder of the emotional undercurrents that make football more than just a business.
In an era where club loyalties often take a backseat to career advancement, his refusal to even entertain the idea of managing Arsenal demonstrates how deeply some connections run.
Whether this stance enhances his credentials in Tottenham’s boardroom remains to be seen, but it certainly reinforces his status as a true Spurs legend.
For Arsenal fans, Klinsmann’s rejection may elicit little more than a shrug. But for Tottenham supporters enduring another season of frustration, his unwavering allegiance provides a welcome reminder of better days – and perhaps plants the seed of an idea should the managerial search take another unexpected turn this summer.
One thing seems certain: wherever Klinsmann’s career takes him next, it won’t be to the red half of North London.