Klopp agrees in principle to take over as Germany coach after Nagelsmann resigns

Jurgen Klopp has agreed in principle to become the next head coach of the German men's national team, following the resignation of Julian Nagelsmann after a disappointing World Cup campaign. The former Liverpool manager met senior German Football Association (DFB) officials in New York on Friday, where the foundations of a potential contract were laid out. Bernd Neuendorf, the DFB president, and vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke held what the federation called "in-depth talks" with Klopp, with both sides confirming that agreement has been reached on the key points of a deal. However, the appointment is not yet sealed. The DFB still needs to negotiate a release with Red Bull, where Klopp has served as head of global football since January 2025. The statement read: "During the constructive exchange, an agreement was reached on the key points of a potential contract. Talks will continue next week. Both sides are confident that the negotiations – subject to an agreement with Klopp's current employer, Red Bull – can ultimately be successfully concluded." It is expected that Klopp will sign a four-year contract, marking his first coaching role since leaving Liverpool in the summer of 2024 and his first-ever job in international football. He has been working as a pundit for German television during the World Cup and has repeatedly been linked with club returns, including a reported approach from Real Madrid in March, which he dismissed as "all nonsense." Klopp's managerial pedigree is immense. He led Liverpool to seven major trophies, including the Premier League in 2019-20 and the Champions League in 2019. Before that, he won back-to-back Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund between 2008 and 2015, and he spent seven years at Mainz 05, where he also played virtually his entire career. Watzke, who worked closely with Klopp at Dortmund as chief executive until last year, is seen as a key factor in the rapid negotiations. The relationship between the two is believed to have accelerated the process as Germany look to recover from a dismal World Cup performance. The team was knocked out in the round of 32, losing to Paraguay on penalties, continuing a pattern of underachievement at major tournaments since winning the World Cup in 2014. Nagelsmann took over from Hansi Flick in September 2023, initially on a contract that ran through Euro 2024, which Germany hosted. They reached the quarter-finals, losing in extra time to eventual winners Spain. His contract was later extended to this year's World Cup and then to Euro 2028, but he stepped down after his second major tournament ended early.