Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp is already making some key changes with the German national team after making his managerial return after a couple of years out of the game
Germany manager and Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp.
Germany manager and Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp.(Image: Christina Pahnke - sampics/Getty Images)
Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp is already settling into life as Germany's head coach, with the 59-year-old having made a number of key decisions early in his tenure.
Germany will take on the Netherlands — now managed by Xavi and with several Liverpool players including Virgil van Dijk among its ranks — in the next international break. Klopp's first home game is set to be against Greece in Augsburg, before a clash with Serbia in Munich a few days later.
According to Sky Germany, Klopp has already held three long phone calls with Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany, Stuttgart's Sebastian Hoenss, and Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac.
Klopp intends to work very closely with the clubs and will stay in regular contact with them.
Those three teams finished in the top four spots in Germany's top flight last term, alongside RB Leipzig, and make up the bulk of the national team.
Having had to liaise with national teams during his time at Liverpool, Klopp knows the importance of having a good relationship, and he is planning further phone calls with others.
Jurgen Klopp during a press conference after being confirmed as the new Germany manager.
Jurgen Klopp during a press conference after being confirmed as the new Germany manager.(Image: Ralf Ibing - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
He has also spoken to the German youth team coaches and told them that they are effectively a kind of national team manager too, given their huge importance to developing young talent.
Klopp is expected to be a regular attendee at Bundesliga games this term, starting with Bayern Munich vs Stuttgart on Friday.
"The day you don't want me anymore, I'm gone — without any severance pay," Klopp said when he was officially unveiled in the role.
"If you behave badly and don't leave my family in peace, I'm gone. Criticize me if something doesn’t work. I’m happy to work on it. It’s all about the job.
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"I know there are other countries where national team coaches are treated even worse. I love this job, but I am always ready to call it quits if need be."
The former Liverpool boss also hinted this will be his final venture in football management, adding: "Jurgen Klopp doesn’t have a career after the national team. Ideally, this is the highlight of my career."
Klopp spent nine years at Liverpool between 2015 and 2024. During that time, he guided the Reds to a Premier League title, Champions League glory, an FA Cup and two League Cups.