Jürgen Klopp is facing the media for the first time as Germany coach. - © IMAGO/HMB Media/Claus

bundesliga

Jürgen Klopp's unveiling as new Germany head coach

24.07.2026

Jürgen Klopp has been appointed Germany's new head coach on an initial deal until 2030. Follow live as the former Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool boss speaks to the media at his unveiling with the German Football Association (DFB) in Frankfurt.

Follow the key statements from Klopp and the DFB hierarchy below:

Lots to discuss

The new boss insists that there's "lots to discuss" with the team prior to his first game in charge against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on 24 September.

How will Klopp play? And who?

"The people who play will be the ones who are very good, are really up for it and who get a bit better the moment they pull on the shirt," Klopp explains when asked about possible changes to the squad.

Are we as good as France? No, but...

"We need realistic expectations. If we ask ourselves if we're as good as France, then the answer is no. But we can still beat them. Are we number one in the world? No, but that doesn't mean anything. We need a certain style of play to beat the best in the world. And that's what we want to do."

Back four and width

Klopp highlights the importance of playing with a back four and using the width of the pitch, which proved a successful tactic for the best teams at the World Cup.

Chats with Nagelsmann?

Klopp is asked about the unusual position of having been a TV pundit during Germany's World Cup exit, having to talk about Julian Nagelsmann's decisions and whether he has spoken to his predecessor. He confirms that he wished Nagelsmann a happy birthday yesterday but that they have not spoken about footballing matters.

Predecessors and role models

"I want to look towards the most successful Germany coaches who also developed in the most successful way," Klopp says when asked about which of his predecessors he looks up to.

Not a perfectionist

"I'm far from perfect. We've got a few weeks until the first international break. I think that's enough time to get prepared."

Time to look closely at things

Klopp describes the national team's current state as not good and believes this is a moment where "we need to look closely at things" in terms of making changes at all levels of teams.

'Highlight of my career'

Klopp adds: "This role is the highlight of my career and I'll give all I've got to be successful."

'It's an honour'

After speeches from Neuendorf and Watzke, Klopp begins by expressing his "great respect to the role of Germany coach". He continues: "I want to thank everyone who's played their part in it all working out how we'd imagined."

Talks with Red Bull

Neuendorf also explained the process of negotiating with Klopp's former employers at Red Bull and was full of praise for Oliver Mintzlaff. The president confirmed that instead of paying compensation to Red Bull, the DFB will make a donation of €1 million to RB's Wings for Life foundation, as well as confirming that the city of Leipzig will host three international matches in the coming years.

Klopp's assistants

Their names had already been circulated in the media in the previous days, but the DFB have also confirmed that Peter Krawietz, Pep Lijnders and Sven Bender (pictured) will come in as Klopp's assistant coaches.

Mertesacker also given job

Per Mertesacker, who was part of 2014's World Cup-winning team, is set to succeed Andreas Rettig as the DFB's managing director for sport. He also has a contract running to the 2030 World Cup.

Through to 2030 World Cup

Neuendorf confirms that Klopp's contract begins on 15 August and runs through to the conclusion of the 2030 World Cup.

'The right man'

Neuendorf continues: "We've had very intense discussions. He was our ideal solution from the start. And we at the DFB were unanimous in saying he was the candidate we had to talk to. Our talks with Jürgen only strengthened our belief that he's the right man at the right time."

Unanimous vote

DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, alongside vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke and Klopp, explains that a board meeting was held this morning where they voted unanimously to appoint Klopp as Germany's new head coach.

Klopp confirmation

It was no big secret, but the DFB officially confirmed Klopp as Germany's 13th head coach on Friday morning, after the 59-year-old put pen to paper on a four-year contract that will encompass the 2026/27 and 2028/29 UEFA Nations League, UEFA Euro 2028 in the UK and Ireland, and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

All set up

German and international media are in position at DFB HQ in Frankfurt as we wait to meet Germany's new head coach.

The road to Germany

Talks between Klopp and the DFB began in early July after Germany's World Cup exit and Nagelsmann's departure. On 11 July, the two sides held their first formal discussions in New York, with the association confirming that an agreement had been reached on key points of a potential contract, subject to further negotiations with Red Bull.

The wait to recapture 2014 glory

Since winning their fourth World Cup in 2014, Germany have fallen short on the biggest stage. They have reached the semi-finals of a major tournament only once in that time – at Euro 2016. Group-stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, followed by a last-32 defeat to Paraguay earlier this summer, underline their struggles in the post-2014 era. Their last two European Championship campaigns have ended in the round of 16 and quarter-finals.

'Klopp the perfect coach' - Reus

Marco Reus believes Klopp is the ideal candidate to lead Germany, having spent three seasons under him at Dortmund. "He's the perfect coach and has the personality needed to lead any team," the LA Galaxy man told US media earlier in July. "He'll change a lot of things."

Götze explains Klopp success

Few players know Klopp's methods better than Mario Götze, who won back-to-back Bundesliga titles and the DFB Cup under the now 59-year-old at Dortmund before joining Bayern Munich in 2013. The 2014 World Cup winner recently highlighted Klopp's man-management as key to his success, telling the Athletic: "What he understands, and what most coaches may not, is how to manage people."

14:41

Watch: Klopp and Mainz's dramatic rise to the Bundesliga

Mainz beginnings

Klopp's seven-year tenure at Mainz from 2001 to 2008 marked the beginning of his rise as one of Germany's most promising young coaches. Taking charge of the second-tier side, Klopp guided Mainz to their maiden Bundesliga promotion in 2004 and established the club in the top flight despite limited resources. His energetic style, focus on youth development and ability to build a strong team identity laid the groundwork for the managerial success that followed at Dortmund and Liverpool.

3:11

Watch: The Dortmund years

Klopp's spell at Dortmund from 2008 to 2015 ushered in a new era of success for the club. He guided BVB to back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2010/11 and 2011/12, a DFB Cup triumph in 2012 and the Champions League final in 2013. By developing young talent and implementing a clear footballing identity, Klopp cemented his reputation as one of Europe's leading coaches.

Liverpool legend

Klopp's nine-season tenure at Liverpool (October 2015–May 2024) underscored his status as one of the very best coaching minds in the business. Under his leadership, the Reds ended a 30-year wait for a league title by winning the 2019/20 Premier League, while also lifting the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, the FA Cup and two League Cups.

Red Bull chapter

Klopp had been serving as Red Bull GmbH's Global Head of Soccer since 1 January 2025, overseeing the football operations of the company's network of clubs around the world, including Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

New era

Klopp succeeds Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned following Germany's FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 exit to Paraguay.

Germany appoint Klopp

Follow live coverage as the German Football Association (DFB) unveils Jürgen Klopp as Germany's new head coach.