Klopp named new Germany head coach

Jürgen Klopp appointed as Germany new head coach

BERLIN — Germany have turned to one of the country's most successful modern football managers, appointing Jürgen Klopp as head coach of the men's national team in a bid to revive the fortunes of the four-time FIFA World Cup winners.

The German Football Federation (DFB) confirmed Friday that Klopp has signed a contract running through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, succeeding Julian Nagelsmann, who stepped down after Germany's latest disappointing World Cup campaign.

The appointment marks Klopp's first role in international football after celebrated spells with Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, where he established himself as one of Europe's most influential coaches.

"The Time Is Right"

Speaking at his unveiling in Berlin, Klopp described the opportunity as the pinnacle of his coaching career. "It is great honour for me to be here. Over the last few days it was almost like movie happening to myself."

Reflecting on the journey that led to the appointment, he added: "For many years it was unimaginable for me to assume this position... Now I think the time is right."

Klopp said his priority would be to strengthen both the team's identity and performances. "There is a mission to be accomplished. It is my mission to make the national team squad a better team."

He also made clear that leading Germany represents the defining chapter of his managerial career. "This is the high point of my footballing career as national team coach."

Familiar Faces Join Coaching Staff

Klopp will be supported by trusted long-time assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, maintaining a coaching partnership that produced success during his club career.

Former Germany midfielder Sven Bender, who previously played under Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, also joins the technical staff.

Klopp's long-time adviser Marc Kosicke will assume an administrative position focused on strategy and innovation within the federation.

In another significant restructuring move, former Germany defender Per Mertesacker has been appointed managing director for sport. Beginning in January, he will oversee the men's national teams while helping strengthen the pathway from youth development to the senior squad after leaving his role overseeing Arsenal's academy.

Immediate Test Ahead

Klopp will have little time to settle into his new role.

Germany are scheduled to play four UEFA Nations League matches across an 11-day period in late September and early October, facing the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia in a demanding start to the new era.

Return to the Dugout

The 58-year-old has not managed a team since departing Liverpool in 2024.

Following his exit from Anfield, Klopp became Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer in January 2025 and later worked as a television analyst during the World Cup for Magenta TV.

According to reports, his release from Red Bull was facilitated after the German Football Federation agreed to make a €1 million donation to the company's Wings for Life charitable foundation and committed to staging three Germany internationals in Leipzig before 2030.

Rebuilding German Football

Klopp inherits a national team searching for consistency after several disappointing major tournaments.

Germany's latest World Cup ended with a shock Round-of-32 elimination against Paraguay, extending a difficult run that also saw the four-time champions fail to progress beyond the group stage at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Nagelsmann's three-year tenure concluded after Germany reached the quarterfinals of UEFA Euro 2024, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Spain.

With Klopp now at the helm, the DFB hopes one of Germany's most accomplished managers can restore the national side's competitive identity and guide the country back among international football's elite before the 2030 World Cup.