Jürgen Klopp declares himself ready to become Germany head coach, talks with the DFB under way
Jürgen Klopp has publicly declared his readiness to succeed Julian Nagelsmann as Germany's national team coach and confirmed ongoing negotiations with the DFB, while stressing that his existing contract with Red Bull must first be resolved amicably.
Klopp's public declaration
The 59-year-old made his intentions clear during an appearance on MagentaTV, stating he is "more than recharged" and ready to take over. He acknowledged the timing is not perfect but called it better than at any previous point, describing himself as the DFB's preferred candidate.
I have an existing contract with Red Bull. I like to honour contracts. But I have interest in talks. They will have to be intensive talks. The problems we currently have do not depend on the personnel of Julian Nagelsmann.
The DFB had earlier confirmed it approached Klopp about filling the vacancy left by Nagelsmann's resignation. Klopp said the federation is working on a succession plan and came to him in the course of those deliberations.
Contractual hurdles with Red Bull
Klopp remains employed as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer, a role he has held for 19 months. He described the period as highly intensive, involving global travel, steep learning, and many internal changes. Extricating himself from that position will not be straightforward, he warned.
I have to talk to my boss Oliver Mintzlaff as well. German football is close to his heart. Red Bull must come out of this cleanly. It is not so easy to simply step away.
He stressed that any exit must ensure the company's football projects can continue smoothly after his departure. No timeline was given for how quickly those talks might conclude.
A turning point for German football
Klopp argued that German football stands at a crossroads and that fundamental changes are unavoidable regardless of who coaches the team next. He said the existing problems predate Nagelsmann's tenure and will not be fixed by a single personnel switch.
We have to fundamentally change things now. Whether that ends up being me or whoever it is, that doesn't change the fact that change is necessary.
His remarks signal a desire for a broader overhaul of the national setup, though he did not elaborate on specific reforms. The DFB has not yet commented on the substance of any talks beyond confirming initial contact.
What comes next
With Klopp's basic willingness now public, attention turns to the negotiations between the coach, the DFB, and Red Bull. No deadline has been set for a decision, and Klopp himself noted that intensive discussions lie ahead.
The vacancy was created when Nagelsmann stepped down, a move that prompted the DFB to move quickly towards its long-standing preferred candidate. Further details are expected once the contractual situation has been clarified.
