Duitsland appoints Jürgen Klopp, warns critics with stark family ultimatum

Jürgen Klopp was officially presented on Friday morning as the new head coach of Germany, a appointment that had been pending for weeks. He succeeds Julian Nagelsmann and will be supported by Pepijn Lijnders, with a contract that runs until 2030.

“Maak ons je Google-favoriet„Het is een grote eer om hier vandaag te zitten,” Klopp said at his presentation, adding that the past days felt like a film playing in his mind.

He warned critics that any personal attacks on his family would force him to leave, stating “If you don’t leave my family alone, I’m gone, without severance.”

DFB chairman Bernd Neuendorf confirmed Klopp had been the unanimous top candidate from the start and called him the best solution for the German federation.

After departing Liverpool two years ago, Klopp took a coaching break but remained active as head of football operations for Red Bull’s football division, which oversees clubs such as RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg.

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The German federation saw the disappointment of the recent World Cup, where Nagelsmann’s side exited in the round of 16 against Paraguay, as the perfect moment to install Klopp as successor.

Klopp’s first match in charge will be on 24 September against the Netherlands in the Nations League, followed by fixtures versus Greece and Serbia, while qualification for the Ek begins in 2027.

Now 59, Klopp managed Liverpool from 2015 to 2024, winning the league title and the Champions League, and previously coached FSV Mainz (2001‑2008) and Borussia Dortmund (2008‑2015).

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Pepijn Lijnders also signed a contract with the German FA; after years as Klopp’s assistant at Liverpool he spent the last season as Pep Guardiola’s right‑hand man at Manchester City, and earlier held roles at NEC and Red Bull Salzburg.

Former international defender Per Mertesacker, a 2014 World Cup winner, has been appointed sporting director of the German national team. He will oversee the sporting strategy alongside Klopp.