Germany, DFB Close In On Jurgen Klopp Appointment After Positive Initial Talks

Last Updated:July 12, 2026, 13:57 IST

Germany have taken a major step towards appointing Jurgen Klopp as national team coach after positive talks in New York, with the DFB confident of reaching an agreement.

Germany have moved a step closer to appointing Jurgen Klopp as their new head coach after holding what the German Football Association (DFB) described as “constructive" talks with the former Liverpool manager in New York.

Klopp, currently Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer and working as a pundit for Magenta TV during the FIFA World Cup 2026, met DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke on Friday as negotiations over the vacant role gathered pace.

The DFB said both parties had reached an understanding on the key terms of a potential contract and remain optimistic about completing a deal.

“DFB President Bernd Neuendorf and DFB Vice President Hans-Joachim Watzke held an initial, in-depth discussion with Juergen Klopp in New York yesterday regarding the possibility of him taking over as national team head coach. During this constructive exchange, an understanding was reached on the key terms of a potential contract," the federation said in a statement.

“The talks will continue next week. Both sides are confident that the negotiations can ultimately be concluded successfully — subject to reaching an agreement with Klopp’s current employer, Red Bull."

The federation added that any agreement would still require approval from the Supervisory Board and the Shareholders’ Meeting of DFB GmbH & Co. KG.

Klopp emerged as Germany’s preferred candidate after Julian Nagelsmann left the role following the country’s shock Round of 32 exit to Paraguay at the World Cup. The defeat extended Germany’s recent struggles on the biggest stage after successive group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022. The four-time world champions last won the tournament in Brazil in 2014.

Nagelsmann had initially expressed a desire to remain in charge until 2028, but both parties agreed to part ways shortly after the team’s return from the United States.

Klopp remains the overwhelming favourite among supporters to lead Germany into a new era, although he briefly found himself in the spotlight earlier this month after suggesting Nagelsmann’s tenure could be nearing its end before later apologising for the remarks.

Widely regarded as one of Germany’s finest modern coaches, Klopp enjoyed trophy-laden spells with Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, winning Bundesliga titles, the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League before stepping away from club management in 2024.

(with Reuters inputs)

About the Author

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

News sports football Germany, DFB Close In On Jurgen Klopp Appointment After Positive Initial Talks

Read More