Germany move closer to appointing Klopp as national team coach

The German Football Federation (DFB) has confirmed that negotiations with Jurgen Klopp over the vacant Germany coaching role have progressed, with both sides reaching an understanding on the main terms of a proposed contract.

The federation said the deal still depends on securing the consent of Klopp’s current employers, the Red Bull Group.

According to a statement released on Saturday, DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke met Klopp in New York on Friday to discuss the position.

“DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke held an initial in-depth discussion with Jurgen Klopp in New York on Friday regarding his potential appointment as national team coach,” the federation said.

“During this constructive discussion, an understanding was reached on the key points of a potential contract.

“Discussions will continue next week. Both parties are confident that the negotiations – subject to an agreement with Klopp’s current employer, Red Bull – can ultimately be brought to a successful conclusion.”

Klopp is the leading candidate to replace Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned after Germany’s World Cup campaign ended in the round of 32 with a penalty defeat to Paraguay.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool manager stepped away from club football after leaving Anfield in 2024. He currently serves as Head of Global Football at Red Bull, overseeing the company’s football operations across several countries, including Germany, Austria, Brazil, the United States and Japan.

Speaking last weekend, Klopp said he was “more than recharged” following his time away from coaching.

Germany has endured a difficult spell since lifting the 2014 FIFA World Cup, exiting in the group stage at the next two tournaments before another disappointing early elimination at this year’s competition.

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