Jürgen Klopp has officially begun his work as head coach of the German national team, completing his first day in the new role following his appointment as the successor to Julian Nagelsmann.
The 59-year-old was appointed in July on a four-year contract that will keep him in charge of Germany until the 2030 World Cup. He was selected by the German Football Association as Nagelsmann’s successor after Germany were eliminated from the World Cup by Paraguay following a penalty shootout.
Klopp thus returns to the dugout after a period away from coaching. The former Liverpool manager had served as Red Bull’s Global Head of Football since leaving the English club, while he had previously managed Borussia Dortmund and Mainz in the Bundesliga.
After his first day at the German national team’s training camp, Klopp expressed his satisfaction with the welcome and atmosphere he found within the federation.
“Everything has started really well. All the staff members we have met so far have welcomed us incredibly warmly. It doesn’t feel unfamiliar at all, and that is a really good thing,” Klopp said.
The German coach also emphasized that he does not see the need for a complete overhaul following the disappointment at the World Cup, stressing that his work will focus on two main areas: the senior national team and the wider structure of German football.
Klopp made it clear that his project with Germany is not intended as a temporary solution, but rather as a long-term project.
“Fortunately, this is not a short-term experiment. It is designed to last for several years, and now we can get to work,” he said.
Klopp’s first match in charge of Germany will be on September 24 against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League. His first major objective will be to build a competitive team ahead of the 2028 European Championship.
