Klopp Confirms Talks with DFB
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he is in discussions with the German Football Association (DFB) about succeeding Julian Nagelsmann as head coach of the national team, but stressed that any appointment depends on resolving his contract with Red Bull, where he serves as Head of Global Soccer.
Speaking to MagentaTV, as reported by One Football, Klopp said: "Yes, I can confirm that, but I'll need to go into the whole thing a little more broadly." He noted that Germany's shock World Cup exit to Paraguay in a penalty shootout had rapidly changed the situation, leading to Nagelsmann's resignation.
Contract with Red Bull a Key Hurdle
Klopp, who took up the Red Bull role on January 1, 2025, oversees the company's international football network, advising clubs including RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg on scouting, coaching development, and football philosophy. He emphasized that his existing contract is the primary obstacle.
"Time. The situation is that I have an existing contract with Red Bull. I've said several times how much I enjoy doing this job. As a person, I'm normally someone who really likes to honour contracts," Klopp stated. He added that intensive discussions are needed with both the DFB and his employer, Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, noting that German football is close to Mintzlaff's heart and he is open to talks.
Optimism for a Win-Win Outcome
Klopp expressed optimism that a solution could be found. "In an ideal case, everyone comes out a winner from a story like this in the end. That you can simply say, okay, Red Bull must be able to come out of this cleanly," he said. He highlighted his 19 months at Red Bull as a period of intense learning and global travel, making it difficult to simply step away without ensuring continuity.
The 58-year-old also noted that he is now recharged after recovering from burnout that prompted his departure from Liverpool in 2024. "Even now it's not perfect. Because I'm under contract with Red Bull. But it's still better than it has ever been. And as far as I'm concerned... I stopped in Liverpool about two years ago and said that I didn't have the energy for another task... By now, I'm more than recharged. So I'm ready," he said.
Germany's Struggles Beyond Coaching
Klopp cautioned that Germany's problems cannot be solved by a new coach alone. "German football is naturally now at a turning point. We now have to fundamentally change things. Whether that ends up being me or whoever it may be changes nothing about the fact that those changes are necessary," he added. He also reflected on his role as a television pundit during the World Cup, saying the experience broadened his football knowledge.
Nagelsmann Resigns After World Cup Exit
Earlier on Friday, Julian Nagelsmann resigned, stating that Germany deserved "the opportunity for a true new start" after a disappointing World Cup campaign. The DFB accepted his resignation and confirmed it would seek talks with Klopp. Germany were eliminated by Paraguay in the Round of 32, losing their first-ever FIFA World Cup penalty shootout after Jonathan Tah put Germany ahead in extra time.
Klopp, who managed Borussia Dortmund from 2008 to 2015 and Liverpool for nine years, winning the Premier League and Champions League, now faces the task of negotiating an exit from his Red Bull contract to take on the national team role.
