Jürgen Klopp has officially been appointed as head coach of the German national team, signing a contract that runs through the 2030 World Cup. The 59-year-old will begin his role on 15 August, marking his first venture into international football management after departing Liverpool in 2024. The German Football Association confirmed the appointment following ratification by its general assembly council.
Klopp replaces Julian Nagelsmann, whose tenure ended in disappointment after Germany's elimination in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. The team suffered a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Paraguay, finishing 5-4 after 90 minutes produced a draw. Nagelsmann, who had held the position since September 2023 as successor to Hansi Flick, departed by mutual agreement with the association despite his contract extending to 2028.
Experienced Backroom Team Assembled
Klopp's coaching staff will feature three accomplished lieutenants. Peter Krawietz, 54, joins from the Red Bull group and brings decades of experience from their time together at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund. Dutch assistant Pepijn Lijnders, 43, recently worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City before this appointment. Sven Bender, 37, returns to the German Football Association after previous coaching roles with Dortmund and Unterhaching, plus experience coaching Germany's youth teams between 2022 and 2024.
The collective experience in this setup is formidable. Krawietz and Lijnders shared in Liverpool's triumphant Champions League campaign in 2019 and Premier League success in 2020. Bender earned seven senior caps as a player, adding credibility to his coaching credentials and understanding of international football's demands.
Klopp's Vision for German Football
In his statement, Klopp emphasised the unique power of the national team to unite the country. "The national team is able to unite Germans as nothing else does, and that is what makes this task so special for me," he said. He pledged to build a competitive squad through "humility and patience," one that "fights for one another, enjoys football, and deserves the German fans to rally around it with full conviction."
German Football Association president Bernd Neuendorf confirmed Klopp had been the leading candidate throughout the process. "Jürgen Klopp embodies passion, credibility and the ability to inspire others," Neuendorf stated. After turning down numerous offers since leaving Liverpool, Klopp's return to management through the German national team represents a significant moment for international football as he aims to restore the nation's standing ahead of the 2030 tournament.
