Jürgen Klopp has come to an agreement on the essential terms to become the new head coach of Germany, as confirmed by the German football federation on Saturday.
This development follows the resignation of former coach Julian Nagelsmann after the national team failed to reach the round of 16 for the third consecutive World Cup.
Klopp, renowned for his trophy-laden tenure with Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, was quickly recognized as the frontrunner to fill the role.
Discussions took place in New York on Friday between Klopp and officials from the German federation. Klopp currently serves as the head of global soccer for the Red Bull group.
“In a constructive discussion, both parties reached an understanding on crucial aspects of a potential contract,” the federation stated. “Both sides remain optimistic that negotiations, pending approval from Klopp’s current employer Red Bull, will conclude successfully.”
While at the World Cup, Klopp has taken on a role as a pundit for German television, even participating in postgame interviews with Nagelsmann on the field.
He has not coached since leaving Liverpool in 2024 after winning an array of trophies, including the Champions League and Premier League.
“About two years ago, I stepped away from Liverpool, stating that I lacked the energy for another job there. Since then, I’ve recharged and am ready,” he told German broadcaster Magenta TV last week.
– Jürgen Klopp discusses Kylian Mbappé, Liverpool negotiations on private jet prior to PSG transfer
– Germany’s Manuel Neuer announces retirement from international football, expresses ‘no regrets’ after World Cup exit
– Chancellor of Germany criticized for praising the national team’s ‘spirit’ following World Cup exit
Since winning their fourth World Cup title in 2014, Germany has seen a series of disappointing performances, being eliminated in the group stages in both 2018 and 2022. This year, they progressed beyond the group stage of the expanded 48-team format, only to be eliminated by Paraguay in a penalty shootout during the newly introduced round of 32.
Klopp engaged in discussions with German federation president Bernd Neuendorf and vice president Hans-Joachim Watzke.
At 59 years old, Klopp is viewed as one of the top coaches in football, having disrupted Bayern Munich‘s dominance in German football by securing two league titles with Borussia Dortmund.
He began his tenure at Liverpool in 2015, leading them to their first English league title in 30 years in 2020, alongside a prestigious Champions League victory among seven major trophies during his time at Anfield. His endeavors were further challenged by a dominant Manchester City squad under Pep Guardiola.
Speculation about his possible return to coaching intensified, but as recently as March, he refuted claims that he would be joining Real Madrid.
After Germany’s World Cup exit, Klopp mentioned the necessity for “fundamental changes,” pointing out that while Nagelsmann was an “excellent coach,” he was not the sole cause of the team’s disappointing outcomes.
The Associated Press and PA contributed to this report.