Germany appoint Jurgen Klopp as new head coach

Jurgen Klopp has been appointed as the new head coach of the Germany men's national team on a four-year contract, with the German Football Association (DFB) entrusting him to lead the country's rebuilding process following another disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign.

The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager will officially begin work on August 15, 2026, replacing Julian Nagelsmann, whose tenure ended after Germany's penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.

Klopp returns to coaching after serving as Red Bull's Global Head of Soccer and will be assisted by trusted lieutenants Peter Krawietz and Pep Lijnders, alongside former Germany international Sven Bender.

The DFB also confirmed the appointment of 2014 World Cup winner Per Mertesacker as managing director for sport.

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The 59-year-old said taking charge of the national team represents the biggest honour of his coaching career.

"The national team can connect us Germans like hardly anything else. That's exactly what makes this task so special for me. I am grateful for everything I have experienced and learned in the last year and a half at Red Bull and for the openness that has made this agreement possible in the first place,” he said.

He also revealed his optimism about building a team that can challenge for the big honours.

"Now I am looking forward to this special task in German football, which we will tackle together with humility and patience: to develop a team that fights for each other, that enjoys football and behind which the people of our country can rally with full conviction,” Klopp added.

DFB president Bernd Neuendorf said Klopp was always the federation's preferred choice.

"Jurgen was our desired solution from the very beginning. He is full of energy and has a real passion for this task," Neuendorf said.

Klopp's first competitive matches in charge will come in the UEFA Nations League as Germany begin preparations for Euro 2028 and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

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