OFFICIAL: Klopp ends coaching break, becomes Germany new head coach

Jurgen Klopp has been named Germany’s new head coach, ending his break from management after agreeing a contract that will keep him in charge until the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

The former Liverpool manager replaces Julian Nagelsmann, who stepped down after Germany’s disappointing World Cup campaign ended with a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the round of 32.

Klopp returns to the dugout after leaving Liverpool in 2024, having said he was “running out of energy” following nine successful years at Anfield. He had since worked as Red Bull’s global head of football.

Klopp sets expectations

Unveiled on Friday, the 59-year-old described the Germany job as the peak of his coaching career and pledged to give everything to improve the national team.

“It is my mission to make the national team squad a better team and hope the pool for me to choose from will be bigger. It is an honor.”

Klopp also warned that he would not hesitate to step away if he lost the support of the German Football Association or if his family became the target of abuse.

“If tomorrow Jurgen Klopp is s***, I will be gone. But if the DFB says let us discontinue the job, then that’s it. And if you behave badly and don’t let my family in peace, I’ll be gone.”

He added:

“Jurgen Klopp is not going to have any ‘career’ after the national team. This is the pinnacle, the high point of my footballing career as a coach.”

Familiar faces join coaching staff

Klopp’s backroom team includes his long-time assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, while former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender has also joined the coaching setup.

Germany will begin the Klopp era against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League on September 24.

Meanwhile, former Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has been appointed Germany’s sporting director and will officially assume the role in January, replacing Andreas Rettig.

Klopp enjoyed one of the most successful managerial spells in Liverpool’s history, winning the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups before leaving Anfield in 2024.