Jürgen Klopp Named Germany Manager Through 2030 World Cup

Jürgen Klopp has officially been named the head coach of Germany's national football team, with his contract set to last until the conclusion of the 2030 World Cup. He will assume his responsibilities starting 15 August, as confirmed by the German Football Association in an official statement.

The appointment followed approval from the association's general assembly council, which was the final step before the announcement. Klopp succeeds Julian Nagelsmann, who stepped down after Germany's elimination in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, where they lost to Paraguay on penalties (5-4) after a tied match.

Since departing Liverpool in 2024, Klopp had declined multiple coaching offers. This role marks his first involvement in international football coaching.

Klopp’s Coaching Team Includes Guardiola’s Former Assistant

Among Klopp’s assistant coaches are Peter Krawietz, Pepijn Lijnders, and Sven Bender. Krawietz and Lijnders have been long-standing collaborators with Klopp, sharing achievements such as the 2019 UEFA Champions League and the 2020 Premier League titles at Liverpool.

Pepijn Lijnders, 43, recently served as an assistant coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Peter Krawietz, 54, joined the German Football Association from the Red Bull group and previously worked with Klopp at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund. Sven Bender, 37, returns to the association after coaching roles at Borussia Dortmund and Unterhaching, and experience as an assistant coach for Germany’s under-16 and under-17 teams between 2022 and 2024. Bender also earned seven senior caps during his playing career.

Klopp’s Vision for the German National Team

After signing his contract, Klopp stated, "The national team is able to unite Germans as nothing else does, and that is what makes this task so special for me." He expressed gratitude for his experiences and learnings over the past year and a half with Red Bull, thanking them for their spirit of cooperation and openness that facilitated the agreement.

Klopp added, "I now look forward to this special task in German football, and we will work together with humility and patience to build a team that fights for one another, enjoys football, and deserves the German fans to rally around it with full conviction."

German Football Association’s Endorsement of Klopp

Bernd Neuendorf, president of the German Football Association, emphasized that Klopp was their first choice without hesitation following Nagelsmann’s resignation. Neuendorf described Klopp as embodying passion, credibility, and the ability to inspire others.

Neuendorf also thanked those involved in reaching the agreement, specifically Oliver Mintzlaff for constructive negotiations and cooperative spirit, and Aki Watzke for his strong support.

Hans-Joachim Watzke, the association’s first vice-president, praised Klopp as one of the world’s best coaches, highlighting his talent for player development and leadership, which he said the national team requires.

Rudi Völler, the sporting director, commended Klopp’s long-standing record of developing young players and achieving results under pressure, noting Klopp’s leadership qualities in motivating both players and fans.

Klopp’s Coaching Legacy and Upcoming Matches

Jürgen Klopp is a prominent figure in modern German coaching, having led Borussia Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, as well as a German Cup in 2012. His tenure at Liverpool saw the club win the UEFA Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020, ending a 30-year title drought.

Klopp’s first international fixtures as Germany’s manager will occur between late September and early October. The schedule begins with a match against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on 24 September, followed by games against Greece in Augsburg on 27 September, Serbia in Munich on 1 October, and a return match against Greece in Thessaloniki on 4 October.

The German Football Association aims for Klopp to lead the team’s rebuilding process and restore its international standing, with the 2030 World Cup representing the primary challenge ahead.