Jurgen Klopp has been named head coach of Germany, with the former Liverpool manager tasked with rebuilding the struggling European giants, the German Football Association (DFB) announced on Friday.
Klopp’s appointment was widely expected for weeks and his contract will run through to the 2030 World Cup co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, as well as the three centenary matches planned for South America.
The 59-year-old spoke publicly of his desire to take on the role following predecessor Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation earlier in July.
Nagelsmann departed after a disappointing last-32 defeat on penalties to Paraguay — Germany’s third consecutive early World Cup exit since lifting the trophy in 2014. As the DFB’s primary candidate, Klopp’s willingness to step into the role accelerated Nagelsmann’s departure.
“It’s a great honour for me to be sitting here today,” Klopp told a press conference called by the DFB in Frankfurt. “This is ideally the high point of my career, of my life, my professional life. I will give it everything I have.”
However, he issued a light-hearted warning to the assembled media: “If tomorrow you start saying, ‘He’s rubbish’, then I’m off.”
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf confirmed Klopp’s contract will commence on August 15 and run until the summer of 2030.
Since 2025, Klopp had been under contract until 2029 with Red Bull as Head of Global Soccer, overseeing affiliated clubs including RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg and the New York Red Bulls.
Neuendorf thanked Red Bull for agreeing to end the contract early so Klopp could give his “full concentration” to the national team. The DFB will not pay a compensation fee, but will instead make a €1 million (R19.2 million) donation to Red Bull’s Wings for Life charity foundation, which supports research into spinal cord injuries.
Having previously suggested his days in the dugout were over, Klopp returns with the mammoth task of restoring four-time world champions Germany to the pinnacle of international football.
In the decade since reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016, Germany have managed just one knockout-stage victory across three World Cups and two European Championships.
Klopp, who enjoyed trophy-laden spells with Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, stepped down as Liverpool manager in 2024 after guiding the Merseyside club to the Premier League title and a sixth Champions League crown.
The DFB had long courted the German tactician. In his new role, Klopp will collaborate with sporting director Rudi Völler, whose contract runs for a further two years.
The rebuilding process will focus on integrating young stars such as Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, both 23, into the core of the side. Meanwhile, decisions await regarding senior figures like captain Joshua Kimmich, who will be 33 by Euro 2028, and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who emerged from international retirement for the 2026 World Cup at the age of 40.
Klopp’s first squad selection will be announced in mid-September ahead of four Nations League fixtures, beginning against the Netherlands on 24 September.
AFP
