Jurgen Klopp has wasted little time making his expectations clear after officially taking charge of the Germany national team, warning that he will quit if the media fails to respect his family’s privacy.
The 59-year-old was unveiled as Germany’s new head coach on a four-year contract after succeeding Julian Nagelsmann, who stepped down following the country’s shock World Cup last-32 exit to Paraguay. Klopp’s deal is expected to keep him in charge through to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
During his first press conference, the former Liverpool manager delivered a firm message to journalists, insisting there were clear boundaries that could not be crossed.
“If you behave badly and don’t leave my family in peace, then I’ll be gone. I’ll just turn away,” Klopp said. He added that he had accepted the role to serve German football, not himself, and referenced the intense criticism faced by his predecessors Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.
Klopp said he remains fully committed to the job but would have no hesitation in stepping aside if those boundaries were ignored.
The appointment marks Klopp’s return to coaching after leaving Liverpool in 2024, ending a trophy-laden nine-year spell at Anfield. He later took up a role as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer before deciding the time was right to return to the dugout with his country’s national team.
Speaking about accepting the Germany role, Klopp described it as the greatest honour of his coaching career.
“This is the pinnacle, the absolute high point of my coaching career,” he said. “I will give everything I have.”
Klopp also revealed that the significance of leading Germany had become clearer with every passing day.
“Over the last few days it was almost like a movie happening to myself,” he said. “For many years I couldn’t imagine myself in this position, but now I think the time is right.”
Germany’s football federation had initially explored appointing Carlo Ancelotti, but the Italian opted to remain in charge of Brazil. That opened the door for Klopp, who ultimately accepted the challenge of rebuilding a national side that has struggled in recent major tournaments.
Klopp’s first match in charge will come against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League on 24 September, as he begins the task of restoring Germany’s fortunes ahead of the Euro 2028 qualification campaign.
