Jürgen Klopp made a punchy start to his new job as Germany coach Friday, laying out red lines he would consider resigning over before his turnaround effort with a squad that failed yet again at the World Cup.
In a combative first news conference, the former Liverpool manager warned the German media he will quit if he believes they are intruding on his family's privacy. He also hinted Germany could be his last job in coaching.
Klopp, 59, has signed a contract through to the 2030 World Cup, with targets set on Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup. He replaces Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned after Germany failed to reach the last 16 of a men's World Cup for the third consecutive time, following a loss to Paraguay.
"Jürgen Klopp has no career after the national team," he said. "Ideally, this will be the highlight of my career, my life, my working life. I will put everything into it that I possibly can."
Klopp said he would be prepared to leave without any severance pay if it does not work out, or if criticism becomes overwhelming. He also wants to make German soccer "cool again," promising surprising squad selections and a return to the thrilling style that defined his Liverpool tenure.
German federation president Bernd Neuendorf said the federation would pay one million euros ($1.14 million) to a Red Bull-linked charity and hold three national team games in Leipzig to secure Klopp's release from his role at Red Bull.
Former Germany defender Per Mertesacker joins Klopp as the federation's new managing director for sport, overseeing the men's national teams. Klopp is reunited with Liverpool assistants Peter Krawietz and Pep Lijnders, with former Germany player Sven Bender also taking an assistant role. Klopp's longtime agent Marc Kosicke joins in a strategy and administration role.
Klopp faces a demanding start with four Nations League games in 11 days against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia in late September and early October.
Sources
- https://apnews.com/article/jurgen-klopp-germany-coach-cda094dae730af39b1c45143631e1ca6
