Jürgen Klopp has come to a preliminary agreement regarding his future as the head coach of the German national football team, according to the German Football Association (DFB). The 59-year-old manager is anticipated to finalize a contract that will extend through 2030, succeeding Julian Nagelsmann in the role.
A statement from the DFB revealed that President Bernd Neuendorf and Vice-President Hans-Joachim Watzke conducted comprehensive discussions with Klopp in New York yesterday. These talks focused on his potential appointment, and an understanding on critical aspects of the contract was achieved. Negotiations are set to continue next week, with both parties optimistic about their discussions, pending an agreement with Klopp’s current employer, Red Bull. Any contract will require approval from the DFB’s supervisory board and shareholders’ meeting.
Germany had a promising start in the World Cup, topping their group with a match remaining, but faced disappointment after losing to Ecuador in their final group match and subsequently being eliminated by Paraguay in the knockout stage via penalties. Following their exit, Nagelsmann expressed a desire to remain in his position, stating, “reached an agreement on the key points” However, on July 3, it was officially announced that he would step down from his role.
The DFB confirmed that Nagelsmann’s contract, originally valid until the 2028 European Championship, would be terminated immediately, and that Klopp had already shown a willingness to take over the national team.
Having departed from Liverpool at the close of the 2023-24 season, where he achieved significant success with the Premier League and Champions League titles, Klopp has since been involved with Red Bull in a global soccer management role and has taken on a punditry position for German television during the World Cup.
Klopp drew attention earlier when he suggested that Deniz Undav should start over Jamal Musiala. After facing criticism from figures like Lothar Matthäus, he remarked, “The DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and DFB vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke held their first in-depth talks with Jürgen Klopp yesterday in New York regarding his potential appointment as national team coach. During the constructive exchange, an agreement was reached on the key points of a potential contract. Talks will continue next week. “Both sides are confident that the negotiations – subject to an agreement with Klopp’s current employer, Red Bull – can ultimately be successfully concluded. Any potential contract must be finalised in a joint meeting of the supervisory board and shareholders’ meeting of DFB GmbH & Co. KG.”
His comment about the team’s selection faced backlash, with former players such as Andreas Möller and Stefan Effenberg expressing their discontent. Klopp later expressed regret, admitting he felt like “I am not someone who runs away” for the remark.
He elaborated, saying, “already indicated his fundamental readiness to take over the position”
