DFB appoints Jürgen Klopp as German national team head coach

The German Football Association (DFB) has formally appointed Jürgen Klopp as the head coach of the national team, confirming the decision during a press conference on Friday. The appointment marks a significant leadership change for German football, with Klopp taking over from Julian Nagelsmann, who stepped down following the team’s elimination by Paraguay in the round of 32 at the World Cup.

Klopp’s return to management follows a period away from club coaching, during which he served as the Head of Global Soccer with the Red Bull group. This role represents his first return to the dugout since leaving Liverpool in 2024, ending a tenure widely regarded as successful at Anfield. His previous experience includes a notable stint as head coach at Borussia Dortmund.

The DFB has secured Klopp’s services on a long-term contract that extends through the 2028 European Championship and the 2030 World Cup. This commitment signals the federation’s intent to stabilise the national team’s direction following the recent tournament disappointment. The agreement places Klopp in charge of the squad for the next four major international competitions.

In a related structural move, the DFB announced that Per Mertesacker is set to join the federation as technical director. Mertesacker’s appointment is scheduled to take effect in January 2027, indicating a planned overhaul of the technical leadership within the organisation. The timing suggests a coordinated approach to rebuilding the team’s administrative and coaching frameworks.

The appointment comes as German football seeks to recover from the early exit in the World Cup, where Paraguay ended Germany’s campaign in the last 32 stage. The DFB’s decision to bring in a high-profile manager like Klopp reflects the urgency to restore performance standards and competitive standing in international football.