Klopp Warns Media He’ll Walk Away as Germany Boss If Family Isn’t Left Alone

Jurgen Klopp kicked off his tenure as Germany’s new head coach with a blunt message to the press: cross the line with his family and he’s gone. The 59-year-old former Liverpool manager, who signed a four-year contract on Friday to replace Julian Nagelsmann, made the warning crystal clear during his first news conference. “If you behave badly and don’t leave my family in peace then I’ll be gone, I’ll just turn away,” Klopp said. “I know there are other countries where national team coaches are treated even worse. I’m not doing this job for myself, I’m doing it for you. I’m taking this job even though I’ve seen how you’ve treated Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.” Nagelsmann resigned after Germany were stunned by Paraguay in the Round of 32 of the World Cup. Tuchel, in charge of England, also faced intense scrutiny after the Three Lions let a 1-0 lead slip in a semi-final loss to Argentina. Both exits drew heavy media criticism. Klopp’s appointment had been widely anticipated for weeks. His deal runs through the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. “Jurgen Klopp is not going to have any career after the national team,” he added. “This is the pinnacle, the absolutely high point of my footballing career as coach. I will give everything I have got.” The 59-year-old is returning to coaching for the first time since leaving Liverpool in the summer of 2024, having admitted he “ran out of energy” after nine years at Anfield. He said the timing now feels right to take on his first international role. “Over the last few days it was almost like a movie happening to myself,” Klopp reflected. “I have always surmised the job of Germany head coach is really big but now it is really dawning on me what being the national team head coach is all about. For many, many years it was unimaginable for me to assume this position. As the years went by, it became more or less evident that sooner or later I would be asked to do this job. Now I think the time is right.” Klopp’s first match in charge will be a Nations League group-stage clash against the Netherlands on September 24.