Jurgen Klopp has revealed he will hold talks about succeeding Julian Nagelsmann as Germany boss.
After a humiliating World Cup exit at the hands of Paraguay, Nagelsmann, who is set to earn £6million in severance, left his position and Klopp, who has been working at the tournament as a pundit for German television, was quickly assumed to be the German Football Association’s top target.
In a new twist, Klopp has now confirmed his interest in the role, although stressed it would not be a quick or smooth process.
‘Yes, I can confirm the talks,’ Klopp said on Magenta TV.
‘Things moved pretty quickly. Julian stepped down. The DFB are looking for a successor. And they’re talking to me.’
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he is ‘ready’ to enter into discussions over the Germany job
Julian Nagelsmann received a £6million severance package after departing from the job
Klopp became Red Bull’s ‘Head of Global Soccer’ after leaving his job with Liverpool in 2024, where he went on to end their wait for a Premier League title and achieved legendary status.
Asked if departing from his role with Red Bull to take on the vacant Germany job would be straightforward, Klopp looked to temper expectations.
‘Time. I’m under contract with Red Bull. I’ve said I’m interested in the talks,’ he added when asked about potential complications.
‘They will be intensive because this isn’t only about Julian Nagelsmann.
‘I also have to speak with Oliver Mintzlaff. He’s my employer. We’ve already touched on a few things.
‘I assume he won’t stand in the way. I’ve been there for 19 months. It was an intense time.’
‘I’m ready. Once the talks begin, your mind starts racing. We have to change things fundamentally.’
Germany’s failure in North America was particularly galling for Nagelsmann, who has now seen his stock take a significant hit.
“The decision was anything but easy for me,’ Nagelsmann said in a statement following his exit.
Germany have failed miserably at three straight World Cups and are seeking a culture reset
‘My top priority has always been the success of the team. After such a bitter disappointment, it deserves the chance of a new beginning.
‘I am sorry and hurt from the bottom of my heart that we disappointed you and couldn’t give you any more football nights at this World Cup.’
Asked about Nagelsmann, Klopp was adamant the young manager will bounce back from this episode.
‘There will have to be intensive discussions, because, of course, the problems we currently have cannot be pinned only on Julian Nagelsmann,’ Klopp added.
‘Julian is an exceptional coach, and he will be able to prove that time and again throughout his coaching career.’
A round of 32 exit to Paraguay, who were major underdogs against Germany, means that Germany have now failed miserably in three successive World Cups since they won it in Brazil back in 2014.
It also adds to the disappointment for Nagelsmann, too, after Germany bowed out of Euro 2024 at the quarter-final stage to Spain on his watch.
