Jürgen Klopp has confirmed he is in negotiations to become the next head coach of the German national team, stating that he feels 'more than recharged' and ready to take on the role. The former Liverpool manager told German broadcaster Magenta TV that the German football federation (DFB) had approached him following Julian Nagelsmann's resignation on Friday, four days after Germany's shock World Cup last-32 penalty loss to Paraguay.
Klopp ready to return after Liverpool exit
Klopp left Liverpool in 2024, citing a lack of energy after eight years at Anfield where he won the Premier League and Champions League. 'About two years ago I stopped at Liverpool and said I lacked the energy for another job or for another year with Liverpool,' Klopp said. 'Since then I'm more than recharged, I'm ready.' He currently serves as head of global soccer for Red Bull's network of clubs, a role that complicates negotiations and means talks will take time.
German football at a turning point
Klopp described German football as being 'at a turning point' and stressed that fundamental changes are needed. '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,' he said. Germany have failed to reach the last 16 in three consecutive men's World Cups and have not won a knockout game since the 2014 final against Argentina.
Intensive talks ahead
The DFB statement named Klopp as the only candidate who had 'signalled his willingness' to take over. Klopp said intensive discussions are required to agree on key points for transforming the team's fortunes. He defended Nagelsmann, calling him an 'excellent coach' and saying the team's deeper problems are not his fault.
Klopp's punditry role
Klopp has been a high-profile pundit on German TV during the World Cup, even conducting post-game interviews with Nagelsmann on the pitch. After the Paraguay loss, he initially said he had not considered the Germany job.
