Jürgen Klopp Confirms Germany Talks After Julian Nagelsmann Exit

Jürgen Klopp has confirmed he is in talks with the German Football Association (DFB) over becoming Germany's next head coach following Julian Nagelsmann's resignation, saying he feels fully refreshed and ready to return to management.

Klopp emerged as the DFB's preferred candidate after Nagelsmann stepped down on Friday, four days after Germany's penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay ended their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in the Round of 32.

Speaking to Magenta TV from New York, as relayed by journalist Florian Plettenberg on X, where he is working as a World Cup commentator, Klopp acknowledged that discussions are already underway.

"Yes, I can confirm the talks," Klopp said. "Things moved pretty quickly. Julian stepped down. The DFB are looking for a successor. And they're talking to me."

He added: "Julian has stepped down, and the federation is working on the succession and has approached me in the course of those considerations."

While Klopp admitted his interest in taking charge of the national team, he stressed that several important discussions must take place before any agreement can be reached.

"Time," he said when asked what still needed to happen.

"I'm under contract with Red Bull. I've said I'm interested in the talks. They will be intensive because this isn't only about Julian Nagelsmann."

Klopp currently serves as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer and revealed he must first speak with his employer, Oliver Mintzlaff, before making any decision.

"I also have to speak with Oliver Mintzlaff. He's my employer. We've already touched on a few things. I assume he won't stand in the way."

The 58-year-old has held his Red Bull role for the past 19 months after leaving Liverpool in 2024, ending a trophy-laden spell that included Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles.

Reflecting on why he stepped away from coaching two years ago, Klopp believes the break has restored the energy he felt he had lost during his final months at Anfield.

"About two years ago I stopped at Liverpool and said that I lacked the energy for another job or for another year with Liverpool," he said.

"Since then I'm more than recharged; I'm ready."

Klopp also suggested Germany's next coach faces a significant rebuilding job following another disappointing major tournament.

"Once the talks begin, your mind starts racing," he said. "We have to change things fundamentally."

The DFB has already confirmed that Klopp has "signalled his willingness" to discuss taking over, with federation officials now working to reach an agreement following Nagelsmann's departure.

Germany's latest World Cup exit extended a worrying decline for one of international football's traditional powerhouses. The four-time world champions have now failed to progress beyond the Round of 32 in three consecutive men's World Cups and have not won a knockout match since Mario Götze's extra-time winner secured the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina in Rio de Janeiro.

Should negotiations prove successful, Klopp would inherit the task of restoring Germany to the elite of international football ahead of the next major tournament, beginning what promises to be one of the most significant rebuilding projects in the national team's modern history.