Klopp: "The national team is capable of uniting Germany more than anything else"
The new coach of the German national team at his introductory press conference: "This is the pinnacle of my career. I want to follow in the footsteps of the most successful national team coaches."
Jurgen Klopp was officially appointed today, Friday, as the new head coach of the German national team. The 59-year-old coach signed a contract until 2030, replacing Julian Nagelsmann, who concluded his tenure following the failure at the World Cup. His first test will be a Nations League match against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, scheduled for late September.
"The German national team can unite us Germans like almost nothing else can. That is exactly what makes this job so special for me," said Klopp at his introductory press conference. "I am looking forward to this special task in German football, which we will approach with humility and patience: to build a team that fights for each other, enjoys playing football, and behind which the people of our country can unite wholeheartedly."
Klopp is widely considered one of the most successful coaches in the history of German football. He led Borussia Dortmund to two league titles and a German Cup victory, and subsequently managed Liverpool between 2015 and 2024. During his time at Anfield, he led the Merseysiders to victory in the Champions League, the Premier League, and numerous other titles. Now, for the first time in his career, he will stand at the helm of a national team.
"This is the pinnacle of my career, and I will give everything to succeed," added Klopp. "I am far from perfect. We have a few weeks until the first international break, and I believe that is enough time to prepare. I want to follow in the footsteps of the most successful German national team coaches, those who knew how to develop in the best possible way."
Klopp's long-time assistants, Peter Krawietz and Pepijn Lijnders, will join his professional staff with the national team. The new addition to the coaching staff will be Sven Bender.
2014 World Cup champion Per Mertesacker will be appointed as the sports director of the German Football Association, replacing Andreas Rettig. Mertesacker is expected to assume the position at the beginning of next year, and until then, he will be gradually integrated into the association's activities.
