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The German Football Association (DFB) has appointed former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp as the new head coach of the Germany national team following Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation after the country’s disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Klopp, 59, returns to coaching for the first time since leaving Liverpool in May 2024 after a successful nine-year spell at Anfield. Since August 2024, he had served as Red Bull’s Head of Global Football, overseeing the company’s football operations across clubs including RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and Bragantino.
Confirming his appointment on Friday, Klopp expressed his pride at taking charge of the four-time world champions.
“The national team brings us Germans together like almost nothing else can. That’s what makes this task so special for me,” Klopp said in a statement released by the DFB.
The former Borussia Dortmund manager had reportedly rejected an opportunity to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid earlier this summer but has now opted to begin his first spell in international football.
Germany’s decision follows another disappointing World Cup campaign, with the team suffering a shock Round of 32 exit after losing a penalty shootout to Paraguay. The defeat marked Germany’s earliest World Cup elimination since expanding to a 48-team tournament and extended a worrying run at major competitions after previous disappointments in 2018, 2022 and Euro 2024.
Nagelsmann resigned shortly after the defeat, despite signing a contract extension in January 2025 that was due to keep him in charge until the end of Euro 2028.
Reflecting on his departure, the 39-year-old admitted the decision had been difficult.
“The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the team’s success. After such a bitter disappointment, they deserve the chance for a fresh start. You deserved so much more,” Nagelsmann said.
Klopp will work alongside former Germany defender Per Mertesacker, who has been appointed DFB Chief Executive after leaving his role as Arsenal academy manager.
The new coaching team has been tasked with rebuilding one of world football’s most successful nations after years of decline. Germany have failed to progress beyond the Round of 16 in their last three World Cup appearances, a sharp contrast to their triumph at Brazil 2014.
The DFB hopes Klopp’s proven record of rebuilding teams, developing young talent and delivering major trophies can restore Germany’s status among football’s elite ahead of the next UEFA Nations League campaign and the 2028 European Championship.
