Jürgen Klopp has “reached an agreement on the key points” to become the next Germany head coach, the German football association (DFB) has announced. The 59-year-old former Liverpool manager is expected to sign a contract until 2030, succeeding Julian Nagelsmann after Germany's early exit from the 2026 World Cup.
Negotiations Underway
The DFB confirmed that president Bernd Neuendorf and vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke held initial in-depth talks with Klopp in New York. A statement read: “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.”
World Cup Exit and Nagelsmann's Departure
Germany topped their World Cup group with a game to spare but lost to Ecuador in their third match and were eliminated by Paraguay on penalties in the last 32. Following the exit, Nagelsmann initially expressed a desire to continue, stating, “I am not someone who runs away.” However, on 3 July, it was confirmed that the former Bayern Munich manager would step down, with his contract, which ran until the 2028 Euros, ending with immediate effect.
Klopp's Punditry and Controversial Comments
Klopp has been out of management since leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season, having led the club to Premier League and Champions League glory. He subsequently took the role of Red Bull's head of global soccer and worked as a pundit for German TV at the World Cup. During the tournament, he created headlines by suggesting Deniz Undav should start ahead of Jamal Musiala. After criticism from Lothar Matthäus and others, Klopp remarked, “Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team – for now.” The comment drew backlash from former players like Andreas Möller and Stefan Effenberg. Klopp later apologised, saying he felt like “punching himself in the face” and adding, “It just slipped out so casually and has absolutely no meaning. What I know now is that I’ll be 59 the day after tomorrow and I’m still an idiot. We’re completely on your side. Nothing will be done to disrupt the process.”
Impact and Next Steps
The DFB indicated that Klopp has already shown “fundamental readiness to take over the position.” Finalisation of the contract depends on an agreement with Red Bull, Klopp's current employer. The move marks a significant shift for German football, with Klopp expected to lead the national team through the next World Cup cycle.
