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Klopp agrees to replace Nagelsmann as Germany coach
Jurgen Klopp has reached an agreement in principle to become the head coach of Germany's men's national team, following talks with senior German football association (DFB) officials in New York on Friday. The move would make the former Liverpool manager the successor to Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned after Germany's early exit from the 2026 World Cup, and marks Klopp's first coaching role since he left Liverpool in 2024, as well as his first job in international football.
The DFB said key contract points had been agreed but that further talks are planned next week, with a deal still to be reached with Red Bull, where Klopp has served as head of global football since January 2025. Klopp, who is expected to sign a four-year contract, previously won seven major honours at Liverpool and two Bundesliga titles at Borussia Dortmund. His long-standing relationship with DFB vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke, a former Dortmund chief executive, is seen as central to the swift negotiations. Germany were knocked out at the last-32 stage this summer, losing to Paraguay on penalties, extending a run of disappointing tournament performances since their 2014 World Cup triumph.
In short
- Klopp agrees in principle to become Germany's next men's coach.
- He would replace Nagelsmann, who resigned after an early World Cup exit.
- A four-year deal awaits final agreement with Red Bull.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Klopp is one of the world's most accomplished modern managers, having transformed Liverpool from mid-table struggles to multiple Champions League finals and a Premier League title through meticulous tactical work and relentless intensity. Germany needs exactly this kind of proven winner and system-builder to restore competitiveness after disappointing tournaments, and his extensive experience managing elite European football at the highest pressure demonstrates he performs when it matters most. His deep German connections and familiarity with the Bundesliga ensure rapid integration into the national setup.
The case against
Klopp's entire record has been built on day-to-day club management with consistent player availability and control over squad development, whereas international football offers minimal preparation time and no influence over player selection, making his club success not directly transferable. Germany's recent failures reflect deeper structural problems within the national programme beyond managerial choice, and one appointment cannot address these systemic issues. His shift to Red Bull's administrative role just eighteen months ago suggests he was seeking less demanding work, raising fair questions about whether he will commit the relentless intensity required to rebuild a national team over a complete four-year cycle.
Explained simply
Jurgen Klopp is one of Europe's most successful managers in recent times, having won numerous trophies at Liverpool before stepping down in 2024. He previously led Borussia Dortmund and has built a strong reputation in German football.
Germany won the World Cup in 2014 and was previously one of football's strongest nations at major tournaments. The team's recent World Cup showings have been weaker, with the squad eliminated early from this summer's tournament.
The national team's manager Julian Nagelsmann resigned following the team's early World Cup exit. The German football association is seeking a new manager to lead the national team moving forward.