Jürgen Klopp is reportedly closing in on becoming the next head coach of the Germany national team after reaching an agreement in principle with the German Football Association (DFB).
According to reports from Germany, the former Liverpool manager has agreed to take charge of the national side on a contract that would keep him in the role until after the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
FB turned its attention to Klopp after Julian Nagelsmann stepped down following Germany’s disappointing exit in the round of 32 at the World Cup, where they were eliminated by Paraguay.
Following Nagelsmann’s departure, the federation confirmed it intended to open talks with Klopp about taking over the national team.
If appointed, Klopp is expected to bring several trusted members of his former Liverpool coaching staff with him.
Long-time assistant Peter Krawietz and Pepijn Lijnders, who helped Liverpool win both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, are reportedly set to join Germany’s coaching team. They would replace outgoing assistants Benjamin Hübner, Benjamin Glück, Alfred Schreuder and Bram Geers.
Goalkeeping coach Andreas Kronenberg is expected to retain his position, while Hannes Wolf, currently the DFB’s director of youth development and a former colleague of Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, could assume a more prominent role within the senior national team setup.
The operation to secure Klopp’s appointment has now entered its final phase.
DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke are scheduled to meet Klopp in New York this weekend to discuss the final details of the project. The talks come after the federation decided to retain Rudi Völler as sporting director to help oversee the transition to a new coaching regime.
Red Bull chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff is also expected to travel to New York for discussions regarding Klopp’s exit from the company.
Klopp remains under contract with Red Bull until 2029. However, reports suggest an agreement was included when he accepted the role that would allow him to pursue the Germany job should it become available.
The DFB and Red Bull are also believed to be working on a unique arrangement that would avoid the need for compensation.
Under the proposed agreement, Klopp would continue serving as a Red Bull brand ambassador while simultaneously leading the Germany national team. Such an arrangement would allow Red Bull to maintain its commercial relationship with the 59-year-old while easing the financial burden on the DFB.
Should negotiations conclude successfully, Klopp is expected to sign a long-term deal through to the 2030 World Cup as Germany seeks to rebuild after another disappointing international campaign.
