It has already been an eventful start to Jurgen Klopp's reign as Germany boss
Jurgen Klopp
New Germany boss Jurgen Klopp has been given an early warning (Image: JOHN MACDOUGALL, AFP via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Jurgen Klopp has received some potentially unwelcome advice from a leading German football official. The former Liverpool boss has landed his dream job in the wake of Julian Nagelsmann's resignation following Germany's last-32 defeat to Paraguay on penalties at the World Cup.
In his very first press conference, Klopp threatened to quit the job if media criticism became too fierce. Now, he has been told how to set up his team by German football legend and DFB sporting director Rudi Voller, who wants the team to copy world champions Spain.
Voller also praised England but slammed Argentina, whose cynical approach has attracted widespread criticism since an ill-tempered World Cup final. Speaking at the International Coaches' Congress in Mainz, Voller said: "We, Germany, need to defend better. Many people held up Argentina as an example, and I thought that was a bad example.
"All of a sudden, the Argentinians became the gold standard. I found it a bit hypocritical. I don't want a team that plays like Argentina.
"That has nothing to do with football. Yes, they were world champions and, this time, runners-up. But, honestly, I don't understand the praise from so many people."
Voller added: "Spain deserved all the praise. Not only for the way they kept possession and attacked, but also for the way they defended. They really are a role model. I also really liked England."
Klopp has a big job on his hands, given it has been a decade since the country won a knockout-round match at a major tournament. As fans saw during his time at Liverpool, he will do things his way and won't stand for any outside interference.
Germany sporting director Rudi Voller looks on prior to the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A3 match between Netherlands and Germany at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on September 10, 2024 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Rudi Voller has said what he expects from Klopp's side(Image: Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
He has already warned that he will walk away if he faces the same level of scrutiny from the German media as Nagelsmann and former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel.
He said: "I'm not doing this job for myself. I'm doing it for you. I'm taking this job even though I've seen how you've treated Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.
Jurgen Klopp
Klopp has given the media an ultimatum (Image: Markus Ulmer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
"If tomorrow Jurgen Klopp is s*** then I will be gone. But if the DFB says, 'Come on, let's discontinue the job,' then that is it.
"And if you behave badly and don't leave my family in peace I will be gone, I'll just turn away. I love this job, but I'm always ready to call it quits."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.