Read for 2 minutes4 Jul 2026 06:22 PM IST
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Germany’s football federation, the Deutscher Fußball-Bund (DFB), is in contact with him to take over as the new head coach of the national team following their 2026 FIFA World Cup exit at the round of 32. Julian Nagelsmann, who has been leading the team since 2023, resigned as head coach after the penalty shootout loss to Paraguay.
“Julian has stepped down and (the federation) is working on the succession and has approached me with that in mind,” Klopp said late on Friday, speaking to German broadcaster Magenta TV from New York in his role as a World Cup commentator.
Klopp has not been seen in management since announcing his exit from Liverpool in 2024. He was appointed Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer in January 2025. Regarding his absence from training, he said, “About two years ago I stopped at Liverpool and said I lacked energy for another year, then I re-worked or re-charged for another year at Liverpool. I’m ready.”
Following their recent failed attempts to qualify for the knockout stages in the 2018 and 2022 editions, Germany lost 4-3 (1-1 FT) on penalties to the South American side and suffered a surprise exit from the tournament for the third time in a row.
A Champions League and Premier League winner at Anfield, Klopp defended Nagelsmann after the disappointing defeat, saying he was a “great coach” and could not be blamed for the team’s serious problems.
Klopp is still under contract with Red Bull, and has said he needs to have a conversation with his employer, Oliver Mintzlaff, but insists no one will stand in his way if he quits as Germany coach.
“German soccer is now at a turning point,” said Klopp, talking about what needs to change there. “Now we need to fundamentally change things. In the end, whether it’s me or anyone else, it doesn’t change the fact that these changes are necessary.”