After the German national soccer team's early exit at the 2026 World Cup, it was more or less clear to the general public that Julian Nagelsmann (38) would probably step down as national team coach. Following Nagelsmann's resignation, Jürgen Klopp (59) is considered the top favorite for the succession. After the German Football Association had already signaled willingness to talk, Kloppo, as he likes to be called, is now speaking out himself - and admits that the job would interest him.
For Klopp now "not a very easy situation"
Klopp, who became known in 2024 to be joining Red Bull after many years as a coach, can apparently imagine leaving the energy drink giant again and becoming national team coach. "Yes, talks have actually begun and I simply think it makes sense now for me, the person who has been talked about a lot, to also say something about it", Klopp explains in conversation with the Red Bull-owned broadcaster "ServusTV". It is "not a very easy situation".
He very much enjoys working for Red Bull, Klopp reports. And he has been working very closely for about two years with people he has gotten to know very well during this time. He doesn't want to simply give that up. "On the other hand, there is a very, very appealing task, a very important task with the job of national team coach [...]", Klopp explains. "That does interest me as well", he admits.
Kloppo believes that Red Bull, who would have to agree, would let him go. "But that would be getting a bit ahead of things", says the 59-year-old. After the German national team's World Cup exit against Paraguay, "events more or less came thick and fast", Klopp says. His statement is meant to confirm: "Yes, not everything being written out there is nonsense, but it's all still in its infancy. It will still take a while." Important talks are being held, however.
Nagelsmann clears the way for "fresh start"
It was recently officially announced that Nagelsmann is resigning. "I have thought a lot in the past days since the elimination and exchanged views with confidants in my personal circle and in the association. The decision was anything but easy for me", stated Nagelsmann's statement, which was distributed among other places via the DFB Instagram channels. The national team deserves "the chance for a fresh start after such a bitter disappointment".
Years ago there had already been rumors that Kloppo allegedly coveted Julian Nagelsmann's job. At his presentation at Red Bull in early 2025, according to reports, Klopp had already stated that there was no exit clause and no agreements should the position of national team coach become available.
