Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that he is in active discussions with the German Football Association about becoming the next head coach of the national team, following Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation after Germany’s disappointing exit from the FIFA World Cup. The former Liverpool manager also revealed that he does not expect his current employers at Red Bull to prevent him from taking one of the biggest jobs in international football if an agreement is reached.

Germany’s World Cup campaign came to a frustrating end after suffering a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the round of 32, a result that shocked supporters and intensified criticism of the national team’s recent performances. Just hours after the elimination, Nagelsmann announced that he would step down as Germany coach, accepting responsibility for the disappointing tournament and opening the door for a new era.

His resignation immediately triggered speculation over who would succeed him, with Klopp quickly emerging as the overwhelming favorite. The 59-year-old has been linked with the Germany job on numerous occasions over the years, and many observers believe this could finally be the right moment for him to take charge of his country’s national team.

Klopp is currently serving as Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer, a senior executive position that sees him oversee the company’s worldwide football operations, including clubs across Europe, South America, and the United States. Since leaving Liverpool in 2024 after nearly a decade in charge, Klopp has remained involved in football through his strategic role rather than returning to management.

During the World Cup, Klopp has also been working as a television analyst for German broadcaster Magenta, providing tactical insight and post-match analysis throughout the tournament. It was during one of those broadcasts that he publicly confirmed, for the first time, that discussions with the German Football Association were underway.

Speaking candidly, Klopp acknowledged that events had developed very quickly following Germany’s World Cup elimination.

“Yes, I can confirm there have been talks,” he said. “Everything has happened in a short period of time. Julian stepped down from the role, the German Football Association is searching for a new coach, and naturally they have contacted me.”

While confirming the negotiations, Klopp emphasized that the process was still in its early stages and that no final decision had been reached. According to him, there are several important issues that must be addressed before any agreement can be completed.

He explained that time would be needed because he remains under contract with Red Bull, and any potential move would require discussions with both his current employer and the German Football Association.

“I have a contract with Red Bull,” Klopp said. “I have already made it clear that I’m interested in talking with the federation, but these discussions have to be thorough because this isn’t simply about replacing Julian Nagelsmann.”

Klopp also stressed that becoming Germany’s national team coach would involve much more than accepting a prestigious title. In his view, the role requires a complete understanding of the challenges currently facing German football, many of which extend beyond the performance of the previous coaching staff.

Despite his contractual obligations, Klopp expressed confidence that Red Bull would not stand in the way if he ultimately decided to accept Germany’s offer.

He revealed that he plans to hold detailed conversations with Red Bull chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff before making any final decision. However, based on their relationship and previous discussions, Klopp believes the company would support his desire to return to coaching.

“I need to speak with Oliver Mintzlaff because he’s my employer,” Klopp explained. “We’ve already talked briefly about the situation, and I honestly don’t expect Red Bull to stop me if this is the direction I choose.”

Klopp praised his experience at Red Bull, describing the past 19 months as both intense and rewarding. Since joining the organization, he has worked closely with multiple clubs while helping shape long-term football strategies across the company’s global network.

He reiterated that he has genuinely enjoyed the position and has always considered himself someone who respects contractual commitments. Nevertheless, he also acknowledged that opportunities like managing the German national team are exceptionally rare.

“I’ve always tried to honor my contracts,” Klopp said. “I’ve enjoyed working here enormously, but I’ve also never hidden the fact that I’m interested in speaking with Germany if the opportunity presents itself.”

The former Liverpool boss admitted that once discussions about the national team began, his competitive instincts immediately returned.

“When conversations like this start, your mind naturally begins thinking about possibilities,” he said. “You start considering what can be improved, what changes need to be made, and how you can help move things forward.”

Klopp was also careful to defend Nagelsmann, insisting that Germany’s problems cannot simply be blamed on one individual.

According to Klopp, the challenges facing the national team are structural and require significant long-term solutions rather than simply replacing the head coach.

“We have to fundamentally change certain things,” he explained. “There will need to be serious discussions because the problems Germany currently has are much bigger than Julian Nagelsmann alone.”

He went on to praise his fellow coach, describing Nagelsmann as one of football’s brightest tactical minds.

“Julian is an outstanding coach,” Klopp said. “I have absolutely no doubt that he will continue proving that throughout his career.”

Nagelsmann himself released an emotional statement after stepping down from the role, admitting Germany’s early World Cup exit represented one of the biggest disappointments of his managerial career.

The former Bayern Munich coach acknowledged that resigning had been an extremely difficult decision but believed it was ultimately the best outcome for the national team.

“This decision was incredibly difficult,” Nagelsmann said. “From the beginning, my only priority has been helping Germany succeed.”

Following the painful defeat to Paraguay, he concluded that a fresh start would give the national team the best chance of rebuilding before future tournaments.

“After such a disappointing World Cup, I believe the team deserves the opportunity for a new beginning,” he explained. “I’m deeply sorry that we couldn’t give our supporters the tournament they deserved.”

Germany entered the expanded World Cup with high expectations but failed to progress beyond the last 32 after their dramatic penalty shootout defeat. The result extended a worrying run of disappointing performances at major international competitions and intensified calls for significant changes throughout German football.

If Klopp ultimately accepts the position, it would represent one of the most significant appointments in international football.

The move would also mark his long-awaited return to coaching after stepping away from Liverpool at the end of the 2023–24 season.

Klopp spent nine highly successful years at Anfield, transforming Liverpool into one of Europe’s strongest clubs. During his time on Merseyside, he guided the Reds to numerous major honors, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.

His energetic leadership style, emotional connection with supporters, and ability to rebuild teams earned him widespread admiration across world football.

When he announced his departure from Liverpool, Klopp explained that he simply needed time away from the relentless demands of day-to-day management after nearly a decade in one of football’s most demanding jobs.

Rather than immediately accepting another coaching role, he chose to join Red Bull in an executive capacity, allowing him to remain involved in football while stepping away from the weekly pressures of managing matches.

However, many supporters always believed Klopp would eventually return to the dugout, particularly if Germany came calling.

Managing the national team has long been viewed as one of the few jobs capable of tempting Klopp back into coaching. The opportunity to lead his country at major tournaments, while helping restore Germany’s place among football’s elite nations, represents a unique challenge unlike any club position.

Although negotiations remain ongoing, Klopp’s confirmation that discussions have begun significantly increases the likelihood of a deal being completed.

Much now depends on the outcome of talks between Klopp, the German Football Association, and Red Bull.

For the German federation, appointing one of the sport’s most respected managers would send a powerful message about its ambitions following another disappointing World Cup campaign.

For Klopp, accepting the role would begin a new chapter in an already remarkable career, offering him the chance to rebuild Germany while returning to the touchline for the first time since leaving Liverpool.

Until an official announcement is made, the situation remains unresolved. Nevertheless, Klopp’s willingness to publicly acknowledge the negotiations—and his confidence that Red Bull will support any decision—suggest that one of international football’s biggest managerial appointments may now be moving significantly closer.