Jurgen Klopp's first game as Germany head coach could be one for the ages
Jurgen Klopp's first game in charge of the German national team on September 24 could see him come up against another former Liverpool manager.
On Friday morning, it was officially confirmed that Klopp will return to management and succeed Julian Nagelsmann, who stepped down as the Germany head coach following their disappointing World Cup campaign.
Klopp, who was appointed Red Bull's head of global soccer in January 2025, claimed he had no desire to return to club management following his much-talked-about departure from Liverpool in 2024.
But after the German Football Association (DFB) reached out with an offer following Nagelsmann's exit, the former Borussia Dortmund manager agreed to take over alongside some familiar faces.
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Klopp's former assistant Pep Lijnders, who recently left Manchester City, will join him in the dugout alongside Peter Krawietz, another longtime Liverpool associate, and former German international Sven Bender, who played under him at Dortmund.
Per Mertesacker, who left his role as Arsenal's academy manager last season, will replace Andreas Rettig as Germany's sporting director.
"The national team can unite us Germans like almost nothing else," said Klopp.
"I'm looking forward to this special task in German football, which we will approach together with humility and patience: developing a team that fights for each other, that enjoys football, and behind which the people of our country can rally with complete conviction."
Jurgen Klopp's first game in charge will come in the Nations League
For the first time, Germany will play four matches in a single international break in late September/early October this year.
To kick things off, they will come up against the Netherlands in the Nations League on September 24, a game that could see Klopp and another former Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, share the same touchline.
Slot is being strongly linked with the vacant Netherlands post after Ronald Koeman stepped down following the team's defeat to Morocco in the World Cup round of 32.
In fact, the Dutchman has already held talks regarding the position, according to Sky's Florian Plettenberg. "Other candidates are also being considered, but Slot is on the shortlist. Initial talks have already taken place," he added.
Germany will then face Greece on September 27 in Augsburg before games against Serbia (October 1) and Greece (again) on October 4.
Jurgen Klopp says he 'will be gone' if scenarios play out during his time as Germany head coach
Speaking to the press on Monday, Klopp wanted to set some boundaries with the media.
“The day you don’t want me anymore, I’m gone, without any severance pay. If you say tomorrow that he’s rubbish, I’m gone. Not just one person, it would have to be more than that.
"If the DFB says he’s rubbish, I’m gone. If you behave badly and don’t leave my family in peace, I’m gone."
"Criticise me if something doesn’t work," added Klopp. "I’m happy to work on it. It’s all about the job. Jurgen Klopp doesn’t have a career after the national team. Ideally, this is the highlight of my career.”
Why the German FA decided to appoint Jurgen Klopp
Klopp, who won the Champions League and Premier League with Liverpool, was Germany's number one choice to replace Julian Nagelsmann.
Bernd Neuendorf, the president of DFB, said on Monday: "Jurgen Klopp, like few others, embodies passion, credibility, and the ability to inspire people. After Julian Nagelsmann's resignation, he was our unequivocal choice for the position of national team coach. That's why we pursued him relentlessly."
Hans-Joachim Watzke, the first Vice President of the DFB, added: "For me, Jürgen is one of the best coaches in the world. He makes his players better. He is also a man who inspires, leads and unites people. That is exactly what the national team needs."
Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Germany
Jack Kenmare