Why it's trending
Klopp's return to management with the German national team, combined with his stark warning to the media, has generated intense interest. The appointment comes just weeks after Nagelsmann's resignation, and a Kicker poll showed 80% reader approval, but debate persists over whether Klopp can restore Germany's former glory.
Jurgen Klopp has been appointed head coach of the German national team, signing a four-year deal through the 2030 World Cup. The 59-year-old replaces Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned after Germany's shock penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the World Cup last 32. Klopp's first game in charge will be against the Netherlands on 24 September, according to the BBC.
Klopp, who left Liverpool in 2024 because he was 'running out of energy' after winning six trophies in nine years, had been working as Red Bull's global head of football. Sky Sports reports that at his unveiling on Friday, Klopp issued a stark warning to journalists: 'If you behave badly and don't leave my family in peace, I'll be gone. I'll just turn away.' He called the role 'the pinnacle, the high point of my footballing career as a coach.'
The German football association (DFB) made Klopp their top target after Nagelsmann's resignation. DFB president Bernd Neuendorf said Klopp 'embodies passion, credibility, and the ability to inspire people' and that they 'pursued him relentlessly.' Klopp will build his coaching team around former Liverpool assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, per the BBC.
While many view Klopp as a 'messiah' for German football, the appointment has sparked debate. A Kicker poll showed 80% reader approval, but the BBC notes that some question whether he can restore Germany's winning mentality. Klopp himself warned: 'Jurgen Klopp being in the job doesn't automatically mean we're going to be world champions.' He emphasized the need for 'a new set of expectations.'
Timeline
- Klopp leaves Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp leaves Liverpool after nine years, citing exhaustion. He had won six trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League.
- Klopp works as Red Bull global head of football
After leaving Liverpool, Klopp takes a role as Red Bull's global head of football, overseeing their network of clubs.
- Germany exit World Cup to Paraguay
Germany are eliminated in the last 32 of the World Cup after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann resigns shortly after.
- Klopp appointed Germany head coach
The DFB announces Jurgen Klopp as the new head coach on a four-year deal until 2030. He warns media to respect his family's privacy.
- Klopp's first match in charge
Klopp will lead Germany against the Netherlands in his first game as head coach.
Questions people ask
Why did Julian Nagelsmann resign as Germany coach?
Nagelsmann resigned after Germany's shock penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the World Cup last 32, which plunged German football into a full-scale identity crisis, according to the BBC.
What did Klopp say about the media and his family?
At his unveiling, Klopp warned: 'If you behave badly and don't leave my family in peace, I'll be gone. I'll just turn away.' He also said he would quit if the DFB decided to discontinue the job, per Sky Sports.
Who will be on Klopp's coaching staff?
Klopp will build his coaching team around former Liverpool assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, as reported by the BBC.
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