Klopp confirms Red Bull settlement, set to become Germany coach; Mertesacker in DFB talks

Red Bull settlement clears the way

Jürgen Klopp confirmed on Sunday evening that he has reached a "very generous" agreement with Red Bull, removing the last major obstacle to becoming Germany's national team coach. Speaking on MagentaTV ahead of the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in East Rutherford, Klopp said: "I have found an agreement and a settlement with Red Bull, a very, very generous settlement, if you will." He added that "practically nothing stands in the way" of the move, though he stressed that no contract has been signed yet. Klopp is currently Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, with a contract running until 2029 that contains no exit clause. The settlement indicates Red Bull will not block his departure.

I have found an agreement and a settlement with Red Bull, a very, very generous settlement, if you will. Practically nothing stands in the way.

Mertesacker in talks for DFB managing director role

While Klopp's appointment dominates headlines, the DFB is also reshaping its leadership structure. Per Mertesacker, the 2014 World Cup winner, confirmed he is in negotiations with the federation. The 41-year-old is seen as the leading candidate to succeed Andreas Rettig, whose contract as DFB managing director expires at the end of the year. Mertesacker told ZDF: "You have to give the DFB credit. The contact with me has never broken off. In the last week, a bit of momentum has come into it. We are talking, so to speak." He cautioned that "there is nothing to announce yet" and that the priority is first finalizing Klopp's deal. Mertesacker, who spent eight years leading Arsenal's youth academy, could also bring expertise in youth development, an area currently overseen by Hannes Wolf. Uli Hoeneß, Bayern Munich's honorary president, endorsed Mertesacker, saying he "has great international experience" and "would never do it for the money, but because it appeals to him to build something with his passion."

You have to give the DFB credit. The contact with me has never broken off. In the last week, a bit of momentum has come into it. We are talking, so to speak.

He has great international experience as a former professional. He has always shown how well he can deal with people. And he would never do it for the money, but because it appeals to him to build something and move it forward with his passion.

Timeline and next steps

Klopp is expected to sign a contract until 2030 and be officially presented on Friday, 24 July, at the DFB campus in Frankfurt. The details are to be finalized after the World Cup final. Klopp said: "It should happen in the next few days. Ideally." His first match in charge will be a Nations League fixture against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, less than 70 days away. The tight schedule adds urgency to the appointment.

Klopp's vision and criticism of leaks

During the MagentaTV broadcast, Klopp also took aim at media reports that jumped ahead of official announcements. "When it's time, we can do it ourselves and don't need others who constantly shoot too early," he said. He acknowledged that "nothing is final" but that "everything is going in the right direction." In a separate discussion with Thomas Müller, Klopp reflected on the broader challenges facing German football, saying: "We only create headlines, none of which hit the core." He emphasized the need for individual player development and urged players to assert themselves at their clubs. Müller added that the DFB alone cannot solve the problems.

We only create headlines, none of which hit the core.

Germany's World Cup disappointment

Klopp takes over a national team that has suffered three consecutive disappointing World Cups. The latest exit came in the round of 16 against Paraguay, decided on penalties after a 3-3 draw. The early elimination intensified calls for a fresh start, with Klopp seen as the figure to restore Germany's fortunes. Rudi Völler remains in place as sport director, and the new leadership trio of Klopp, Völler, and potentially Mertesacker is expected to steer the DFB's sporting direction.