Jurgen Klopp has moved into pole position to become Germany’s next manager after the German Football Association confirmed that talks will begin immediately with the former Liverpool boss.
Germany want Jurgen Klopp as their next manager(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
The development comes after Julian Nagelsmann stepped down following Germany’s painful World Cup exit against Paraguay. The defeat, decided on penalties, continued a bleak run for one of international football’s most decorated nations, with Germany again failing to reach the latter stages after disappointing campaigns in 2018 and 2022.
Nagelsmann still had a contract running until Euro 2028, but the pressure around his position became impossible to ignore. After days of reflection and discussions inside the federation, the former Bayern Munich coach decided to leave his role and allow the national team to start again.
In its statement, the DFB made clear that Klopp is now the leading candidate. The federation said its leadership would seek talks with the 59-year-old, adding that he had already signalled a general willingness to take on the job. That line alone has sent shockwaves through German football.
Klopp has not coached since leaving Liverpool in 2024, where he built one of the most admired teams in Europe and ended the club’s long wait for a Premier League title. Since then, he has worked as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer and appeared as a television pundit during the World Cup.
His presence around Germany’s campaign made the situation even more intriguing. Klopp had been analysing the national team’s problems for German broadcaster Magenta, and at times his comments were brutally honest. Now, the man who picked apart Germany’s flaws from the studio could be the one asked to fix them.
Julian Nagelsmann has stepped down as Germany manager(Image: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Nagelsmann’s farewell message was emotional. He admitted the decision was not easy, but said the team deserved a fresh start after such a bitter disappointment. He thanked his staff, the federation, the players and the fans, while admitting that Germany had failed to give supporters the memorable World Cup nights they deserved.
DFB sporting director Rudi Voller also praised Nagelsmann for taking responsibility and putting the national team above himself, while stressing that he remains an excellent coach.
But the focus now shifts to Klopp. For years, many Germany fans have dreamed of seeing him lead the national side. After another tournament heartbreak, that dream suddenly feels closer than ever.
If talks progress, Klopp would inherit a wounded team, a frustrated fanbase and enormous expectation. But few coaches carry the charisma, tactical identity and emotional power to transform a football nation quite like him.
