Jürgen Klopp teases immediate Germany ‘changes’ as ex-Liverpool boss confirms DFB talks
Jürgen Klopp has confirmed that he is in talks with the German Football Association (DFB) regarding their now vacant head coaching position.
Germany’s shock FIFA World Cup exit in the Round of 32 to Paraguay via a penalty shootout led to immediate pressure on the DFB to make a coaching change, despite Julian Nagelsmann being under contract through UEFA Euro 2028.
Post-game, Nagelsmann remained defiant in his stance that he had absolutely no intention of leaving his post, stating, “I’m not someone who runs away.”
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However, on Friday, Nagelsmann did eventually step down just shy of three years after assuming the role. “I’ve done a lot of thinking in the days since our elimination and have consulted with trusted individuals both personally and within the federation,” he said.
“The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the team’s success. After such a bitter disappointment, they deserve the chance for a fresh start.”
Following Nagelsmann’s exit, the DFB wasted no time in looking to open talks with Klopp, 59, who had already made it clear he was open to it. “Regarding the appointment of a new coach, the DFB leadership will now seek talks with Jürgen Klopp,” the DFB’s statement read.
“He has already signalled his general willingness to take on the position.”
Now, Klopp has confirmed that talks are ongoing, although he noted that there’s still one major hurdle to overcome, given that he is currently employed by Red Bull as their Head of Global Soccer.
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“Yes, I can confirm the talks. Things moved pretty quickly. Julian stepped down. The DFB are looking for a successor. And they’re talking to me,” he told Magenta TV, via Florian Plettenberg, adding that the process still requires “time.”
“I’m under contract with Red Bull. I’ve said I’m interested in the talks. They will be intensive because this isn’t only about Julian Nagelsmann.
“I also have to speak with Oliver Mintzlaff. He’s my employer. We’ve already touched on a few things. I assume he won’t stand in the way. I’ve been there for 19 months. It was an intense time.”
Thankfully for German fans, the former Liverpool boss appears more than ready to return to the dugout, two years after departing Anfield. “I’m ready. Once the talks begin, your mind starts racing. We have to change things fundamentally,” Klopp said.
As for Red Bull and Mintzlaff, Plettenberg claimed that they “are not expected to be an obstacle.”
Should Klopp end up as Germany’s next head coach, he faces the daunting task of taking over a side which, since winning its fourth World Cup in 2014, has failed to win a single knockout-stage game.
Meanwhile, their success at the European Championships hasn’t been much greater in recent years, with them failing to get past the Round of 16 in 2020 and being knocked out in the quarterfinals four years later.
