Klopp confirms Germany talks and expects Red Bull to clear his path

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he is in talks with the German Football Association (DFB) to become the country’s next national team coach, following Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation after Germany were knocked out of the World Cup on penalties by Paraguay in the last 32 on Monday.

Speaking on German broadcaster Magenta, where he has been working in an analytical role during the tournament, Klopp said negotiations are under way and that he does not expect his current employer, Red Bull, to stand in his way.

“Yes, I can confirm the talks,” Klopp said. “Things moved pretty quickly. Julian stepped down. The DFB are looking for a successor. And they’re talking to me.”

Klopp, who currently serves as Red Bull’s global head of soccer overseeing their worldwide network of clubs, acknowledged that his existing contract with the organisation means the situation requires careful handling. He said he has already spoken briefly with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff and anticipates a cooperative resolution.

“I have an existing contract with Red Bull. I’ve said many times how much I enjoy this job. As a person, I usually honour contracts. But I’ve also made it clear that I’m interested in talks with the DFB. I assume he won’t stand in the way. I’ve been there for 19 months. It was an intense time.”

Klopp was candid about the scale of the challenge facing whoever takes the Germany job, making clear that Nagelsmann should not bear sole responsibility for the team’s early exit from an expanded 48-team World Cup being held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“We have to change things fundamentally,” he said. “There will have to be intensive discussions, because, of course, the problems we currently have cannot be pinned only on Julian Nagelsmann. Julian is an exceptional coach, and he will be able to prove that time and again throughout his coaching career.”

Nagelsmann, who took charge of Germany in September 2023 following Hansi Flick’s departure, issued a statement after the defeat describing the exit as a “bitter disappointment” and saying the team deserved “the chance of a new beginning.”

“The decision was anything but easy for me,” Nagelsmann said. “My top priority has always been the success of the team. I am sorry and hurt from the bottom of my heart that we disappointed you.”

For Klopp, the role would represent a return to frontline coaching for the first time since he left Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season after nine years at Anfield.