Jürgen Klopp has revealed that he is in discussions to become the head coach of the German national football team, expressing that he has regained the energy he felt was lacking when he departed Liverpool.
Following Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation, which came just four days after Germany’s World Cup elimination against Paraguay, Klopp has emerged as the top choice for the German Football Federation.
“Julian has stepped down and the [federation] is working on the succession and has approached me in the course of those considerations,” Klopp stated from New York during an appearance on German broadcaster Magenta TV, where he is serving as a commentator for the World Cup.
The federation’s official statement highlighted Klopp as the only coach mentioned, noting that he has “signalled his willingness” to take the position. He indicated that discussions would require time given his existing contract with Red Bull, where he oversees global soccer operations.
Since leaving Liverpool in 2024, Klopp has not taken on another coaching role, having previously stated he was “About two years ago I stopped at Liverpool and said that I lacked the energy for another job or for another year with Liverpool,” after an eight-year tenure that included winning the Premier League and the Champions League.
“Since then I’m more than recharged, I’m ready.” he reflected. “German football is obviously at a turning point now,”
For Germany to improve, the next coach will need to implement significant changes, and Klopp emphasized that he would require “Now we need to change things fundamentally. Whether that’s me in the end or whoever it may be, that doesn’t change the fact that changes are necessary.” with the federation to outline the strategic shifts necessary to change the team’s fortunes.
This marks the third consecutive World Cup where Germany has failed to progress beyond the round of 32, with their last knockout win occurring in the 2014 final against Argentina.
“German football is obviously at a turning point now,” Klopp remarked, adding that fundamental changes are essential. “Now we need to change things fundamentally. Whether that’s me in the end or whoever it may be, that doesn’t change the fact that changes are necessary.”
During the World Cup, Klopp has been a prominent figure as a pundit on German television, participating in post-match interviews alongside Nagelsmann. In the immediate aftermath of Germany’s loss to Paraguay, he mentioned that he had not yet contemplated taking the role as national coach.
