Jurgen Klopp says the break from club football has restored energy, and talks are under way about Klopp becoming Germany’s next head coach. The German Football Federation has approached Klopp after Julian Nagelsmann resigned following Germany’s World Cup exit, and Klopp has confirmed a strong interest in the national team role.

Germany’s search for a new Germany head coach starts after a dramatic penalty shoot-out defeat to Paraguay in the round of 32. Germany drew 1-1 after extra time before losing on penalties for the first time in World Cup history, at the fifth attempt.

The DFB said in a statement that informal contact with Klopp had already taken place and that Klopp had indicated openness towards the position. Klopp then spoke publicly in Klopp’s role as a World Cup pundit for Magenta TV, where Klopp discussed the situation in greater detail.

“Yes, I can confirm the talks, Klopp said on Friday. Yes, Julian resigned, and the DFB is working on a succession plan and over the course of these deliberations, they have reached out to me. The timing, even now, is not perfect because I am currently under contract with Red Bull, but it is still better than it has ever been. When I stopped at Liverpool, I lacked the energy for even one more year with the club, and I’m more than recharged now.”

Nagelsmann had guided Germany to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on home ground, which restored some optimism. However, the World Cup departure continues a difficult pattern, after group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022, leaving Germany struggling on football’s biggest platform for a third successive tournament.

Jurgen Klopp contract details and Germany head coach clause

Klopp has been head of global football for the Red Bull Group since October 2024, a strategic role away from the touchline. Reports in Germany indicate Klopp’s agreement contains a release option tailored for the Germany job, which could ease negotiations if all parties are satisfied with the terms.

Klopp also underlined respect for Nagelsmann and argued that wider structural issues had hurt Germany’s results rather than coaching alone. “As a person, I am usually very happy to keep contracts, but I have also said that I am very interested in the discussions, Klopp said. Those conversations will have to happen, and they will have to be intensive talks because, of course, the problems Germany were experiencing were not due to Julian Nagelsmann. Julian Nagelsmann is an extraordinary coach, and he will have the opportunity to prove that many times in his coaching career.”

Upcoming fixtures for new Germany head coach

If Klopp accepts the position, the first game as Germany head coach is likely to come against the Netherlands in the Nations League on 24 September. That international window has been stretched because it represents the sole release period across September and October.

Germany’s schedule for that period is already set, with four Nations League fixtures planned against familiar European opponents. The programme features a meeting with long-term rivals plus games against Greece and Serbia, creating a demanding start for whoever takes over the Germany head coach position.

With the DFB shaping a succession plan and Nations League matches already approaching, Germany’s leadership decision carries major sporting consequences. Klopp remains under contract with Red Bull, yet has publicly welcomed intensive talks. The coming weeks are likely to decide whether Klopp becomes Germany head coach for the next tournament cycle.