Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he is in discussions to become the next head coach of the Germany national team, following Julian Nagelsmann's resignation after a disappointing World Cup exit. Speaking on German TV station Magenta on Friday evening, Klopp revealed he does not expect his current employer, Red Bull, to stand in the way of the approach.
Klopp's Confirmation and Red Bull's Role
“Yes, I can confirm the talks,” Klopp told Magenta. “Things moved pretty quickly. Julian stepped down. The DFB (German FA) are looking for a successor. And they’re talking to me.” Klopp, who serves as Red Bull's global head of soccer, acknowledged his existing contract but expressed openness to the DFB's interest. “I have an existing contract with Red Bull. I've said many times how much I enjoy this job. As a person, I usually honour contracts. But I've also made it clear that I'm interested in talks with the DFB.”
He added that he must speak with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff. “We’ve already touched on a few things. I assume he won’t stand in the way. I’ve been there for 19 months. It was an intense time.” Klopp emphasised the need for fundamental changes, stating, “I’m ready. Once the talks begin, your mind starts racing. We have to change things fundamentally. There will have to be intensive discussions, because, of course, the problems we currently have cannot be pinned only on Julian Nagelsmann.”
Nagelsmann's Exit and World Cup Disappointment
Nagelsmann's Germany were eliminated at the last-32 stage of the World Cup on Monday evening, losing to Paraguay on penalties. The early exit was a major disappointment for the four-time champions. Nagelsmann, who took over from Hansi Flick in September 2023, immediately stepped down. In a statement, he called it a “bitter disappointment” and said, “The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the success of the team. After such a bitter disappointment, it deserves the chance of a new beginning. I am sorry and hurt from the bottom of my heart that we disappointed you and couldn’t give you any more football nights at this World Cup.”
Klopp's Potential Return to Coaching
If appointed, Klopp would return to coaching for the first time since leaving Liverpool in May 2024 after nine years. During his tenure at Anfield, he won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, two League Cups, and the Club World Cup in 2019. The 2026 World Cup is being held across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
