Klopp reaches agreement in principle to become Germany head coach
Jurgen Klopp has reached an agreement in principle to become the new head coach of Germany’s men’s national team following the country’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former Liverpool manager held talks with senior officials of the German Football Association (DFB) in New York on Friday, with negotiations now entering their final stages. An agreement with Klopp’s current employers, Red Bull, is still required before the appointment can be officially confirmed.
Talks progress towards agreement
In a statement, the DFB confirmed that discussions had produced positive progress.
“DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and DFB vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke held their first in-depth talks with Jurgen Klopp in New York regarding his potential appointment as national team coach,” the federation said.
“During the constructive exchange, an agreement was reached on the key points of a potential contract. Talks will continue next week.
“Both sides are confident that the negotiations – subject to an agreement with Klopp’s current employer, Red Bull – can ultimately be successfully concluded.”
Klopp is expected to replace Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned after Germany were eliminated in the round of 32 at the World Cup. Reports indicate the 59-year-old is set to sign a four-year contract, marking his first role in international football.
The former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool boss has been working as a television pundit during the World Cup after taking up the role of Red Bull’s head of global football in January 2025.
New era for Germany
Klopp has frequently been linked with several top managerial positions since leaving Liverpool in 2024, including speculation over the Real Madrid job, although he previously dismissed those reports.
His close relationship with DFB vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke, who worked alongside him during their successful years at Borussia Dortmund, is understood to have helped accelerate negotiations.
Germany are seeking a fresh start after another disappointing major tournament. Since lifting the World Cup in 2014 under Joachim Low, the four-time world champions have struggled to replicate that success, suffering group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022 before their latest knockout-stage disappointment.
Klopp arrives with an impressive record, having won two Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund and guided Liverpool to seven major trophies, including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
German football authorities now hope his experience can restore the national team to the top level ahead of Euro 2028.