Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he is in talks to become the next Germany coach, after Julian Nagelsmann stepped down following the national team's World Cup exit. Speaking as a pundit for German broadcaster Magenta, where he has been working during the tournament, Klopp said he had held initial discussions with the German Football Association (DFB).
"Yes, I can confirm the talks," Klopp told Magenta. "Things moved pretty quickly. Julian stepped down. The DFB are looking for a successor. And they're talking to me." Nagelsmann resigned immediately after Germany were knocked out on penalties by Paraguay on Monday, leaving the DFB scrambling for a replacement.
“Jurgen Klopp confirms talks to become Germany coach after Julian Nagelsmann stepped down.”
Klopp, currently Red Bull's global head of soccer, admitted he would need to speak with his employer, Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, but expects no obstacle. "I have an existing contract with Red Bull. I've said many times how much I enjoy this job," Klopp said. "But I'm interested in talks with the DFB. I assume he won't stand in the way."
The former Liverpool manager has been in his Red Bull role for 19 months, describing it as "an intense time." He stressed the need for fundamental change, adding: "The problems we currently have cannot be pinned only on Julian Nagelsmann. Julian is an exceptional coach, and he will be able to prove that time and again."
Meanwhile, Liverpool's summer transfer business has stalled after a fast start. The Reds signed Spanish winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna last month and French defender Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in January for around £60m, but suffered a blow when Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande chose Paris Saint-Germain over Anfield. In other news, Real Madrid are expected to keep long-time Liverpool target Aurelien Tchouameni, with the midfielder likely to stay at the Bernabeu this summer.