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Jurgen Klopp## Jurgen Klopp has spoken for the first time after being unveiled as Germany manager, revealing his ambitions as he begins a new chapter in international football
11:23, 24 Jul 2026Updated 11:23, 24 Jul 2026
(L-R) Bernd Neuendorf, President of the German Football Association
(DFB), Juergen Klopp, Head Coach of Germany and Hans-Joachim Watzke, Vice President of the German Football Association
Jurgen Klopp has spoken for the first time since being unveiled as Germany manager(Image: Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp has spoken for the first time since being unveiled as Germany manager, outlining his excitement and ambitions after making his return to the dugout.
In a press conference on Friday morning, the German Football Association (DFB) unveiled Klopp as the new men's national team manager. The legendary Liverpool boss has signed a four-year deal which would see him lead the national team through the 2028 European Championship and the 2030 World Cup.
Julian Nagelsmann’s departure earlier this month paved the way for Klopp’s appointment, with the former Liverpool manager quickly emerging as the leading candidate for the role. Germany had been left searching for answers after a disappointing World Cup campaign that ended with a shock round of 32 exit to Paraguay.
Klopp has described becoming Germany manager as the “pinnacle” and “absolute high point” of his coaching career. Speaking at his unveiling press conference, the 59-year-old admitted the appointment had felt like a “movie” unfolding in recent days and said the reality of taking charge of his country was only beginning to sink in.
"It is a great honor for me to be here," Klopp said. "The job of Germany head coach is something big, but now it's really dawning on me what being national team head coach is all about."
Klopp also admitted that becoming Germany manager was once a role he never imagined taking, but believes the timing is now right for him to lead the national team. The 59-year-old said he is grateful to those involved in making the appointment happen after holding “very reasonable talks” with the German Football Association.
He added: "It was really for many, many years, it was unimaginable for me to assume this position. I mean, as the years went by, it became more or less evident that sooner or later I would be asked to do this job. But then the very thought disappeared. But now I think the time is right, and I'm grateful to all parties concerned. And they approached me, we've had very reasonable talks, and I'm absolutely happy that we've put this behind us. And ideally, it is a path that we will all go together."
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 was confirmed as Germany's new manager(Image: Getty Images)
The new Germany boss also outlined his plans to reshape the DFB setup, insisting his focus is not only on changing the first team but improving the wider structure around the national side. Klopp said Germany must "leave no stone unturned" as they look to develop and modernise, adding that better performances on the pitch will require improvements across multiple areas of the organization.
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"Many people said changing a face at the German national team is not enough. It's not just about one person. We have to play better football, but many other things need to change," Klopp explained.
The former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool manager revealed he has already drawn up a list of 57 players he wants to assess, rejecting the idea that Germany lacks talent following recent struggles. Klopp insisted there are still quality players available and said his aim is to create a stronger pathway for the national team while identifying and developing future stars.
He also confirmed several members of his coaching staff, including former Liverpool assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz along with Sven Bender, will join him as part of his Germany backroom team.
Jurgen Klopp
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