Jürgen Klopp has agreed in principle to become the new head coach of the German national team. The 59-year-old is expected to sign a contract with the German football association (DFB) that will run until 2030, covering the 2028 European Championship and the 2030 World Cup. This development comes as the DFB looks to recover from a dismal World Cup display, which saw Germany eliminated in the round of 32 following a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay.
Bernd Neuendorf and Hans-Joachim Watzke secure agreement in New York
DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and DFB vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke held their first in-depth talks with Klopp regarding his potential appointment in New York. A DFB spokesperson confirmed that “a constructive exchange” took place, during which an agreement was reached on the key points of a potential contract. The federation described Klopp as their preferred candidate, noting that he had “signaled his willingness” to take over the role.
The transition follows the resignation of Julian Nagelsmann, who stepped down after the team’s exit. Initially, Nagelsmann had expressed a desire to continue, stating, I am not someone who runs away, in the immediate aftermath of the team’s exit. However, he eventually departed his position, which was originally contracted to run through the end of Euro 2024, following the tournament exit.
Klopp, who has been working as a pundit for German television during the World Cup, confirmed he is in negotiations for the post. Speaking from New York on German broadcaster Magenta TV, Klopp said: “Julian has stepped down and the (federation) is working on the succession and has approached me in the course of those considerations.”
Oliver Mintzlaff and Red Bull negotiate coaching contract release
The final hurdle to a full agreement involves Klopp’s current employment. Since January 2025, he has served as Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer. Klopp noted that talks would take time due to his existing contract with the organization. Further negotiations are expected early next week, including meetings with Oliver Mintzlaff, the managing director of Red Bull, to finalize his departure. Any potential contract must also be finalized in a joint meeting of the supervisory board and the shareholders’ meeting of DFB GmbH & Co. KG.
Klopp’s appointment is bolstered by his long-standing professional relationship with Hans-Joachim Watzke. Watzke, 69, worked closely with Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, where Watzke served as chief executive from 2005 until he stood down last year. This connection is considered a key factor in the speed of the current negotiations.
Jürgen Klopp signals readiness after Liverpool departure
Klopp has not coached since leaving Liverpool in 2024, a tenure during which he led the club to seven major honors, including the 2019-20 Premier League title and the 2019 Champions League. Upon his departure from Liverpool, he stated he was “running out of energy” after eight years at the club. Reflecting on his current status, Klopp stated: “About two years ago I stopped at Liverpool and said that I lacked the energy for another job or for another year with Liverpool. Since then I’m more than recharged, I’m ready.”
The incoming coach faces a significant challenge to revitalize the national team. After Joachim Low led Germany to their fourth World Cup win in 2014, the team experienced a series of below-par performances, failing to advance beyond the group stage in both 2018 and 2022. Despite topping their group in the most recent tournament with a game to spare and suffering a loss to Ecuador in their third match, the team ultimately fell to Paraguay in the round of 32.
Klopp acknowledged that the team will require “sweeping changes” under his leadership. As negotiations proceed, both sides remain confident that the agreement can be successfully concluded, subject to the finalization of terms with Red Bull.
Find more reporting in our スポーツ section.