Germany suffered a disappointing end to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, with the four-time world champions suffering a shock Round of 32 exit to Paraguay on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The early elimination ultimately led to Julian Nagelsmann stepping down, leaving the German Football Association searching for a new figure to lead the national team.
Jurgen Klopp has quickly emerged as the leading candidate for the vacancy, with formal talks between the former Liverpool manager already confirmed to have taken place by the man himself.
Should Klopp accept the role, he is expected to have significant control over footballing decisions, including the composition of his coaching staff.
One of the first names already being linked with Klopp’s potential backroom team is former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders.
According to BILD, Klopp would be free to appoint his long-term trusted lieutenant, paving the way for another reunion between the pair after their hugely successful spell together at Anfield.
Ljinders was regarded as Klopp’s closest tactical ally throughout the majority of his time on Merseyside, playing a key role in multiple trophy lifts.
The Dutchman became one of the most important members of Klopp’s coaching staff during one of the club’s greatest modern eras and so it makes sense why Klopp is interested in a reunion in the dugout.
The prospect of working together again will inevitably generate excitement among not only German supporters but also Liverpool supporters, who witnessed first-hand the chemistry between Klopp and Lijnders throughout many seasons with the Reds.
Lijnders has experienced an eventful period since departing Liverpool alongside Klopp in the summer of 2024.
He briefly took charge of Red Bull Salzburg before leaving the Austrian side, and he most recently joined Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff at Manchester City before following the Spaniard out the door this summer.
There is no doubt that Lijnders will view a return alongside Klopp on the international stage as an attractive opportunity.
Given the success the pair enjoyed together at Liverpool, it is no surprise Lijnders has emerged as an early favourite to be part of Germany’s new-look coaching setup if Klopp’s appointment is completed.