Germany's new era: Jurgen Klopp as coach, Per Mertesacker as director
The German Football Association has announced a sweeping overhaul, appointing Jurgen Klopp as the men’s national team head coach and naming former Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker as the new managing director for sport. Klopp’s four‑year contract starts on August 15, guiding Germany to the 2030 World Cup.
Klopp signed a four‑year deal that will see him lead Germany through to the 2030 World Cup, taking charge on August 15 after Julian Nagelsmann resigned following the nation’s World Cup exit to Paraguay.
The 59‑year‑old was unanimously approved by the DFB’s supervisory board and general meeting, emerging as the federation’s first‑choice candidate.
He returns to frontline coaching after an 18‑month stint in Red Bull’s global football structure, having left Liverpool in 2024.
Klopp will be supported by long‑time assistants Peter Krawietz and Pepijn Lijnders, while former Germany international Sven Bender joins as an assistant coach after roles at Borussia Dortmund, SpVgg Unterhaching and Germany’s youth teams.
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“Few things can bring us Germans together like the national team,” Klopp said. “That is exactly what makes this role so special for me.”
DFB president Bernd Neuendorf called Klopp the federation’s “clear first choice”, praising his ability to inspire players and supporters.
Mertesacker, the 2014 World Cup winner, will become managing director for sport on 1 January 2027, succeeding Andreas Rettig when his contract ends. The 41‑year‑old recently concluded an eight‑year spell leading Arsenal’s academy and will oversee Germany’s national teams and the DFB Academy, placing him at the centre of the long‑term football strategy.
“I’m really looking forward to this new role and the responsibility that comes with it,” Mertesacker said. “German football has enormous potential.”
Germany’s new era will begin in September when Klopp oversees his first matches, while Mertesacker joins the DFB executive team in 2027 as the federation builds towards Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.