Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he is in talks to become the next Germany coach, following Julian Nagelsmann's resignation after the national team's World Cup last-32 exit to Paraguay on Monday evening. Speaking to German broadcaster Magenta during Friday evening's programme, Klopp revealed he does not anticipate his current employers, Red Bull, blocking the approach.
"Yes, I can confirm the talks," Klopp told Magenta. "Things moved pretty quickly. Julian stepped down. The DFB (German FA) are looking for a successor. And they're talking to me." The 59-year-old, who serves as Red Bull's global head of soccer overseeing their worldwide network of clubs, has been present at the World Cup in an analytical capacity. He said: "I have an existing contract with Red Bull. I've said many times how much I enjoy this job. As a person, I usually honour contracts. But I've also made it clear that I'm interested in talks with the DFB."
“Jurgen Klopp confirms talks to become Germany coach after Nagelsmann resigned following World Cup last-32 exit.”
Klopp added that he has already touched on a few things with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff. "I assume he won't stand in the way," he said. "I've been there for 19 months. It was an intense time. I'm ready. Once the talks begin, your mind starts racing. We have to change things fundamentally. There will have to be intensive discussions, because, of course, the problems we currently have cannot be pinned only on Julian Nagelsmann."
Nagelsmann, who had been at the helm since taking over from Hansi Flick in September 2023, resigned after Germany's penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay. In a statement, he said: "The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the success of the team. After such a bitter disappointment, it deserves the chance of a new beginning. I am sorry and hurt from the …" Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, defended Nagelsmann, calling him "an exceptional coach" who will prove that throughout his career.