Klopp Confirms Talks About Germany National Team Coach Position After Nagelsmann's Departure

JAKARTA - Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said on Friday, July 3, 2026, local time, that he had discussed with the German Football Association (DFB) taking over the position of coach of the German National Team (National Team) after the departure of Julian Nagelsmann.

The DFB confirmed Nagelsmann's departure on Friday, four days after Germany's shock exit from the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay in the last 32, adding that Klopp had been approached about the vacancy.

"The DFB would like to express its sincere thanks to Julian Nagelsmann for his work since September 2023. He has a high level of commitment and great ambition."

"Regarding the appointment of a new coach, the DFB leadership will now seek talks with Jurgen Klopp. He has hinted at his willingness to take the position," said Bernd Neuendorf, President of the DFB, in a statement.

Speaking later the same day while being a 2026 World Cup analyst for Magenta TV, Klopp confirmed that he had been approached about the opportunity.

"Yes, I can confirm the talks. Yes, Julian resigned and the DFB is working on a succession plan. During this consideration process, they have contacted me," said Klopp.

Germany lost 3-4 on penalties to the South American team and were knocked out early from the tournament for the third time in a row, after failing to qualify from the group stage in the 2022 and 2018 editions.

Klopp has not been in coaching since leaving Liverpool in 2024. He was appointed as Head of Football at Red Bull in January 2025. At the time of being a World Cup 2026 analyst, he said that the time to return to the sidelines was a better time than ever.

"The timing, even now, is not perfect because I am currently still under contract with Red Bull, but it is still better than before."

"When I left Liverpool, I lacked the energy even for another year with the club. Now I'm more than just recharged," said Klopp, who has previously been linked with jobs at other national teams, including Germany.

The coach who led Liverpool to the English League and Champions League titles said he needed to speak to his boss, Oliver Mintzlaff at Red Bull, but thought that no one would stand in his way if he went to take the job as Germany coach.

"The situation is like this, I have a contract that is still valid with Red Bull. As a person, I am usually very happy to keep a contract."

"However, I have also said that I am very interested in the discussion. The conversation must take place and must be an intensive conversation because, of course, the problems experienced by Germany are not caused by Julian Nagelsmann."

"Julian Nagelsmann is an outstanding coach. He will have the opportunity to prove it many times in his coaching career," said Klopp.

Nagelsmann replaced Hansi Flick as Germany's head coach in 2023 and became the country's second youngest coach at 36.

The former Bayern Munich boss led Germany to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals and actually extended his contract to Euro 2028 in January 2025.

Only, the failure at the 2026 World Cup made him end the contract sooner.