Klopp Opens Door to Germany Job After Nagelsmann Exit
Jürgen Klopp has confirmed he is in negotiations to become the new head coach of the Germany national team, revealing that he feels "more than recharged" after a two-year break from management. The former Liverpool boss is the German football federation's (DFB) preferred candidate to replace Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned following Germany's shock penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup.
Speaking from New York on Magenta TV, where he has been working as a pundit, Klopp said: “Julian has stepped down and the federation is working on the succession and has approached me. About two years ago I stopped at Liverpool and said that I lacked the energy for another job. Since then I'm more than recharged, I'm ready.”
A Manager Ready to Return
Klopp’s last managerial role ended in 2024 when he departed Liverpool after a glorious eight-year spell that brought the Premier League and Champions League titles. At the time, he admitted to “running out of energy” but now insists he is primed for a new challenge. However, the 59-year-old is still under contract as head of global soccer for Red Bull, which means any move to the DFB will require complex negotiations.
“I will need intensive talks with the federation to agree on the key points of how to transform the team’s fortunes,” Klopp explained, underlining his determination to address Germany’s recent tournament failures.
Germany’s Turning Point
The 2026 World Cup exit marked the third consecutive men’s tournament where Germany failed to reach the last 16 – a humbling run that stretches back to their 2014 triumph. Klopp was quick to defend Nagelsmann, calling him an “excellent coach” but stressed that deeper systemic issues must be confronted. “German football is obviously at a turning point now,” he said. “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.”
The DFB has already publicly stated that Klopp has “signalled his willingness” to take over, making him the only candidate named in their statement. Yet Klopp’s dual commitment to Red Bull – which owns clubs like RB Leipzig, Salzburg, and New York Red Bulls – could delay any immediate appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Jurgen Klopp confirms he is in talks to become Germany’s next head coach and says he is recharged and ready for the role.
- Julian Nagelsmann resigned after Germany’s World Cup last-32 exit, and the DFB wants Klopp as his successor.
- Klopp insists fundamental changes are needed in German football, regardless of who takes the job.
- His Red Bull contract requires careful negotiation, potentially slowing down the appointment.
- Germany have failed to win a World Cup knockout game since the 2014 final, highlighting the scale of the rebuild.
Quick Facts
Preferred Candidate: Jürgen Klopp
Previous Coach: Julian Nagelsmann (resigned)
World Cup 2026 Result: Eliminated in last 32 (penalties to Paraguay)
Klopp’s Last Job: Liverpool FC (2015–2024)
Current Role: Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull
Key Quote: “I’m more than recharged, I’m ready.”
Source: The Guardian
