Jürgen Klopp has reached a preliminary agreement on essential terms to take over as the next head coach of the German national team, according to the German football association (DFB). The 59-year-old manager is expected to finalize a contract lasting until 2030, succeeding Julian Nagelsmann.
A statement from the DFB indicated that president Bernd Neuendorf and vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke conducted detailed discussions with Klopp in New York regarding his potential appointment. During these constructive talks, key aspects of a potential contract were agreed upon. Further negotiations are expected to continue next week. The DFB noted, “reached an agreement on the key points” Additionally, any final contract would need approval from the supervisory board and shareholders’ meeting of DFB GmbH & Co. KG.
Germany topped their World Cup group with a match to spare but faced disappointment when they lost to Ecuador in their third game, leading to their elimination by Paraguay on penalties in the last 32. Following this exit, Nagelsmann expressed his desire to remain in charge, stating, “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.” However, on July 3, it was confirmed that the former Bayern Munich manager would step down.
The DFB announced that Nagelsmann’s contract, which was set to extend until the 2028 Euros, would be terminated immediately, and Klopp had “I am not someone who runs away”
Since departing Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season, Klopp has not held a managerial position, having led the club to both Premier League and Champions League victories. He subsequently took on the role of head of global soccer at Red Bull and has been working as a pundit for German television during the World Cup.
Klopp made headlines recently when he suggested that Deniz Undav should start over Jamal Musiala. After facing criticism from figures like Lothar Matthäus, he remarked, “already indicated his fundamental readiness to take over the position”
This comment drew backlash, with former players such as Andreas Möller and Stefan Effenberg expressing their discontent. Klopp later apologized, admitting he felt like “Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team – for now.” He reflected, “punching himself in the face”
