Jurgen Klopp looks to be closing in on his return to management with Germany, although the former Liverpool boss hasn't spoken too fondly about international football in the past
06:00, 05 Jul 2026
Foxborough, United States - June 29: Jurgen Klopp looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay at Boston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Foxborough, United States. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp could be set for a return to management with Germany(Image: Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp’s return to management is in motion, with the former Liverpool boss undergoing talks with Germany about taking over from Julian Nagelsmann. Anyone who remembers his time at Anfield might be a little surprised by his switch to international soccer though.
Klopp is the clear favorite to become his country’s next manager, with Germany looking for a new boss following another early exit from the World Cup. The penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay means the four-time world champions haven’t won a single knockout game since they last won the tournament in 2014.
The DFB, Germany’s football association, has moved quickly to try and secure the legendary former Liverpool manager, with a statement claiming that talks were planned with Klopp to succeed Nagelsmann.
The man himself has since confirmed those talks are underway, and his return to the dugout could follow soon after two years away.
He told Magenta TV: "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.”
The move back into management may take some by surprise. Although Klopp never ruled out a return, he did indicate on numerous occasions that he was happy being away from the touchline in his role as Red Bull’s head of global soccer.
The move into international management may come as an even bigger surprise to Liverpool fans, given what he said during his time at Anfield.
Julian Nagelsmann of Germany and Juergen Klopp looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he is in talks to replace Julian Nagelsmann as Germany manager(Image: (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images))
Asked back in 2019 whether a possible move into the international game would appeal to him, Klopp replied (via BILD): "I really cannot say.
"I do not know if I would like to. Now, as of today, I do not feel like it.
"As of now, I'm totally happy with what I do and that's important in the whole story. I also could not say one hundred per cent if I was the right one. If the question ever arises, I would think about it — but not now."
What’s more, Klopp never greeted international games with much excitement. The former Liverpool boss regularly rallied against the amount of games being played in modern soccer, and seeing his players heading away on duty with their countries in the middle of the season didn’t leave him too happy.
Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kit
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£85
LFC Shop
Buy Now on LFC Shop
Liverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.
"I hate international breaks. Absolutely. It wasn’t helpful," he said back in 2021.
“It didn’t help from an injury point of view. If we had played a week later our players would have had two days off. With the international days they train pretty much through all this because the coaches have their own targets and they think they have to do physical work with them as well."
Article continues below
Klopp though looks set to push his reservations about international soccer to one side to answer Germany’s call at his country’s time of need. Having been out of management since leaving Liverpool two years ago, there’s no denying it would be good to see him back in the dugout.