Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been unveiled as Germany manager, returning to coaching with the task of restoring the national team's place among football's elite
10:04, 24 Jul 2026
Jürgen Klopp looks on during the Final - FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States. (Photo by GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp has been confirmed as Germany's new manager(Image: Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp has officially been unveiled as Germany's new manager, marking his long-awaited return to the dugout.
In a press conference on Friday morning, it was confirmed that the legendary Reds boss had signed a four-year contract with the German Football Association (DFB), which would see him lead the national team through the 2028 European Championship and the 2030 World Cup.
Klopp held talks with DFB almost immediately following Julian Nagelsmann's departure after the early exit to Paraguay at the World Cup. It will, of course, be Klopp’s first permanent job back on the touchline since leaving Liverpool in 2024, having been in charge at Anfield for nearly nine years. Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz are both expected to join his coaching staff, having also been part of his team at Liverpool.
Klopp had been working as Red Bull’s head of global soccer since January 2025, but the 59-year-old confirmed ahead of the World Cup final on Sunday that he had reached a “generous” agreement with the company to leave his role and pursue a return to management.
"Nothing has been finalized yet," Klopp said. "But the talks have gone well, and everything is moving in the right direction. I've reached an agreement and an arrangement with Red Bull - a very, very generous one, if you like. So, practically speaking, nothing stands in the way anymore."
Klopp’s first challenge as Germany boss will come during the extended international break in September when he takes charge of the team’s Nations League campaign. His opening fixture could see him face another former Liverpool manager, with Arne Slot reportedly the frontrunner to replace Ronald Koeman as Netherlands coach after his Anfield exit. Germany will then face Greece (September 27 and October 4) and Serbia (October 1).
During his time at Liverpool, Klopp enjoyed a hugely successful spell, winning almost every major trophy available. The German guided the Reds to Premier League and UEFA Champions League glory, while also lifting the FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
Jurgen Klopp (former Liverpool headcoach) looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 9, 2026 in Foxborough, United States
Jurgen Klopp has signed a four year deal(Image: Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
Many had expected the 2014 World Cup champions to make a strong push deep into the tournament, but Germany’s campaign quickly unravelled. After opening with a dominant 7-1 win over Curacao, their form dipped as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in their final group-stage fixture.
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The DFB’s struggles continued in the knockout rounds, with Germany being held to a 1-1 draw by Paraguay in the round of 32 before enduring a historic penalty shootout loss — their first-ever defeat in a World Cup shootout.
The disappointing exit has also impacted Germany’s standing in the FIFA rankings, with the national team dropping out of the top 10. The DFB entered the tournament ranked 10th in the world but has since fallen two places to 12th.
Klopp’s arrival marks a significant turning point for Germany as the national team looks to recover from a disappointing period. The new head coach will now focus on implementing his ideas, building a squad capable of competing at the highest level and bringing renewed optimism to the DFB setup.