Jurgen Klopp has been announced as Germany’s new head coach, but that’s far from all the news.
The former Liverpool boss has confirmed his signing in a press conference, but he won’t be the only new face at the federation [DFB].
Klopp delivered a punchy media appearance, addressing a number of issues, such as his involvement with Red Bull.
foot.mundo recaps all the details and everything that was said.
Details of Jurgen Klopp’s Germany contract
Klopp has signed on a deal until 2030, keeping him with the national team until the end of the next World Cup.
He will bring over his coaching team from Liverpool, plus a new face.
Peter Krawietz, Pepijn Lijnders and former national player Sven Bender will join the DFB team.
Klopp has ended his controversial collaboration with Red Bull, with the DFB paying €1million to their charity organisation.
Former Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has also been announced as the DFB’s new sporting director, but he won’t take the job until January 1st, 2027.
Rudi Voller will also keep his role as a senior advisor despite a public falling out with Klopp over Nagelsmann.
Finally, his long-term advisor, Marc Kosicke has taken on an unusual role as ‘assistant coach for strategy, development and innovation’.
Klopp’s debut as Germany coach
On September 24th, Klopp will debut as Germany manager against the Netherlands in Amsterdam in the Nations League.
All six remaining Germany games in 2026 are Nations League matches against Greece (September 27th and October 4th), Serbia (October 1st and November 13th), and again the Netherlands (November 16th).
DFB president Bernd Neuendorf speaks out
Neuendorf said: “He was our preferred solution from the very beginning, and we in the association were very much in agreement that he was the candidate we needed to talk to.
“We pursued this concept very intensively together with Hans-Joachim Watzke. We were convinced that he was the best solution.”
Vice president and former Dortmund CEO with Klopp, Watzke, added: “I am very glad that Jurgen is here.
“I have had the privilege of working with him for seven years. Therefore, I know that he is perfectly suited for this situation. He will handle it.”
Everything Klopp said in his first Germany press conference
In his opening statements, Klopp said: “It’s a great honour to be sitting here today.
“What’s been happening to me these last few days is that it’s like a movie is playing in my head, things are going through my mind. Where did it all begin, where do I come from?
“I already had some idea of how big the job of national coach is. But when you’re associated with it, you feel the magnitude and the responsibility even more. Knowing where I come from, it was unimaginable for me that it would ever come to this.”
Klopp then addressed the media: “I was a little surprised how much came out, how quickly.
“I’m not doing this against you, but for you. I’m being paid well for it, that’s clear. But if you say I should leave, then I’m gone. Without severance pay.
“If you say tomorrow that he’s rubbish, I’m gone. Not just a few, it would have to be more than one. If the DFB says he’s rubbish, I’m gone. If you don’t leave my family in peace, I’m gone.
“You should know that this is all about the job. Jurgen Klopp doesn’t have a career after the national team. Ideally, this is the pinnacle of my career. I will give it everything I have.
“Your job is to avoid constantly misunderstanding me. Try to understand me and don’t make something out of it.
“If I’m talking nonsense, I’m talking nonsense. Do with that what you will. If I’m trying to say the right thing, then try to find it and help make sure it gets across to people.
“The expectations in Germany are insane. Imagine if Nagelsmann had said: ‘Finally, let’s reach the semi-finals again.’ What can you say? Of course, we want to achieve the highest goals. We should realise that we need time for that.”
Klopp explains what he will bring: “As a coaching team, we want to present a complete package. I’ve never been a coach who just shows up, puts the lads through their paces, and then goes home when training is over.
“I’ve always taken care of things that happen at the club. Now it’s a federation, now it’s a country. I’ve always felt responsible at the respective club. I feel obligated to everyone who is a football fan in this country. And that means: doing the job as well as possible.
“Counter-pressing will be a key focus, a stable formation, a clear footballing philosophy. With all its uncertainties. We won’t play man-marking. But the best team in Germany plays man-marking.
“The teams that won the tournament played with four men at the back. We will too. We will also use the wings. The playmakers of today’s generation are on the wings.
“Players will get opportunities they’re not even expecting. Because I like to be bold. I always have been and I always will be.
“I’m keen to work with guys who play a style of football that everyone enjoys. It’s not always immediately successful, but I also want to achieve something with the national team that makes people go home and think, ‘Wow, that was really cool.’
“I went over the names and had an extremely positive impression of the team. We have an incredible amount of talent. We became U17 World and European Champions. They should be 20 now. Now that they have their driver’s licenses, we can use them.
“Everyone needs to be challenged from time to time. For me, it was clear that this had to happen here. My greatest strength is knowing where I’m not at the top. There are a few things I’m relatively good at. I want us to provide the perfect package here. I don’t want to overlook anything, forget anything.”
Klopp comments on Julian Nagelsmann awkwardess: “There was no exchange. Belated happy birthday. I have complete respect for him.
“The day with ‘Noch’ was one of the worst days of my life . I knew then that the bombshell was going to drop.
“I would have preferred to avoid it, but of course I couldn’t. It happened. I apologised, and he accepted it. I don’t think there’s any hard feelings. I wish him all the best.”
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