Jürgen Klopp is officially returning to Germany. Klopp was confirmed as the new head coach of Germany’s national team Friday. He’s signed through 2030.
Klopp, who was born in Germany and played there as an amateur, called it a “great honor” to take over the national team. He compared it to being in a movie, per ESPN.
“It is great honour for me to be here. Over the last few days it was almost like movie happening to myself,” Klopp told a news conference.
“For many years it was unimaginable for me to assume this position. As the years went by it became evident, sooner or later, I would be asked to do this job.
With that said, Klopp’s acceptance of the job did come with a few stipulations. If he gets the sense the media believes he should leave, or if the media goes after his family, he will resign from the position, he told reporters.
“If at any point you all think — it’s not enough for just one or two to feel this way –that I should leave, I will leave without severance pay,” Klopp said to journalists.
“If you go after my family and don’t leave them alone, I will leave.
“I’ve seen what happened with Julian [Nagelsmann] and [Thomas] Tuchel. I know it’s worse in other countries.”
Klopp, 59, has experienced immense success as a manager over his career. After starting off with Mainz 05, Klopp rose to prominence with Borussia Dortmund, leading the side to a Bundesliga title and a domestic double. He then excelled with Liverpool, winning the UEFA Champions League, Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and a Premier League title.
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Germany was searching for a new head coach after Julian Nagelsmann resigned following a disappointing performance in the 2026 World Cup. Germany lost to Paraguay in the Round of 32. It marked the third straight disappointing exit for the team, which lost in the group stage in both 2018 and 2022.
Prior to that, Germany was among the most successful countries at the World Cup. The team won the event in 2014, finished in third place in both 2010 and 2006, and finished second in 2002.
Klopp has not managed since leaving Liverpool in 2024. In 2025, he was named Red Bull’s head of soccer, but the German Football Association made a €1 million donation to get him released from that contract, per ESPN.
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Klopp’s first game with Germany won’t occur until late September, when the team will take on Netherlands in the Nations League.
