DFB counts on Klopp's 'patriotic discount' to be national team coach
According to Vi.
Why this matters
The possible appointment of Jürgen Klopp as Germany coach is a topic of great relevance, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. The DFB is looking for a charismatic and experienced leader to revitalize the national team after the departure of Julian Nagelsmann, especially after the disappointing performance in the last tournament. Klopp's experience at top clubs could be crucial in preparing the Mannschaft for future challenges.
Main conclusions
- DFB counts on 'patriotic discount' from Klopp to be national team coach.
- Watzke confirms to ZDF that the DFB is in advanced talks with Jürgen Klopp to succeed Julian Nagelsmann.
- Jürgen Klopp remains central to Duitsland's plans.
The German federation (DFB) is in advanced negotiations with Jürgen Klopp to take on the role of national coach, Hans‑Joachim Watzke, the organization's vice‑president, confirmed to public broadcaster ZDF. Despite his optimism, the director stressed that the process is not yet closed and that there are points to be resolved, namely the coach's contractual link to the Red Bull group and the need to fit the financial package within the federation's limits.
“It’s not a done deal,” admitted Watzke, stressing that Klopp’s current contract represents one of the main barriers. Even so, the vice-president of the DFB placed the probability of the appointment “above 50%”, making it clear that the coach is the federation’s plan A. According to the official, Klopp's expressed desire to embrace the Mannschaft project is helping to overcome the knots in the dossier.
The financial aspect is another topic on the table. Watzke acknowledged that the DFB has limited margins and, therefore, expects a “small” concession from the coach out of love for the country, even speaking of a “patriotic discount”. The expression reflects the expectation that Klopp, excited about the possibility of leading the national team, will make his salary expectations more flexible to make the agreement viable.
Klopp, 59 years old, ended a cycle of nine seasons at Liverpool in 2024, a period in which he won, among other trophies, the Champions League and the Premier League. After leaving Anfield, he took on executive roles as Head of Global Soccer in the Red Bull universe, a position with an active contract and which, according to him, currently represents the biggest formal obstacle to the transition to the German national team's bench.
If Klopp's entry is confirmed, he will succeed Julian Nagelsmann. The 38-year-old coach left his position after the 2026 World Cup, marked by a campaign below Germany's expectations, which fell in the round of 16 against Paraguay. Nagelsmann's departure opened a process of reflection in the DFB with a view to rebuilding the competitive Mannschaft for the new international cycle.
The eventual choice of Klopp is seen in Germany as a bet with a strong impact, given his resume, game identity and leadership capacity in highly demanding contexts. For the DFB, securing a coach with this profile would be a central step in rebuilding the team after its early elimination from the World Cup and preparing for its next international commitments. Until then, the parties seek to unblock contractual issues and align financial conditions to transform the advanced conversations into the announcement that the entire country awaits.
What happens next
Negotiations between Klopp and the DFB will continue, with the expectation that the coach can find a solution to his contract with Red Bull. The DFB is optimistic, but there are still financial obstacles to overcome. If Klopp gets a 'patriotic discount' as suggested, his appointment could soon be confirmed, allowing him to begin preparing Germany for the 2026 World Cup.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Jürgen Klopp and the Germany team?
The German federation (DFB) is in advanced negotiations with Jürgen Klopp for him to take on the role of national coach.
Who confirmed the negotiations between Klopp and the DFB?
Hans‑Joachim Watzke, vice-president of the DFB, confirmed the negotiations to public broadcaster ZDF.
Why is now an important time for negotiations with Klopp?
Negotiations are important now due to the upcoming
of the 2026 World Cup and the DFB's need to find a new coach.
What changes are being discussed for Klopp's signing?
The changes under discussion include the resolution of Klopp's contractual relationship with the Red Bull group and the adjustment of the financial package to the DFB's limitations.
What is a 'patriotic discount' mentioned by Watzke?
The 'patriotic discount' refers to the expectation that Klopp will make his salary demands more flexible out of love for the country, thus facilitating the agreement.