By Bilal Ahmed
Jurgen Klopp has commenced his tenure as the head coach of Germany, issuing a warning to the media regarding his family’s privacy. The former Liverpool manager was appointed to a four-year deal on Friday, succeeding Julian Nagelsmann.
Nagelsmann resigned this month following Germany’s unexpected World Cup defeat by Paraguay in the last 32. Klopp, who is 59-year-old, addressed the media during his initial news conference, stating his readiness to step down if his family’s privacy is not respected.
“If you behave badly and don’t leave my family in peace then I’ll be gone, I’ll just turn away,” Klopp stated. He acknowledged that national team coaches in other countries might face even harsher treatment. He emphasized that his commitment to the role is for the country, not for personal gain, despite observing how Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel were treated by the media.
“I’m not doing this job for myself, I’m doing it for you. I’m taking this job even though I’ve seen how you’ve treated Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel,” Klopp added. He reiterated his love for the job but affirmed his willingness to quit if necessary.
Both Nagelsmann and England boss Tuchel faced media scrutiny after their World Cup exits. Tuchel, for instance, was criticized for his defensive tactics and substitutions during England’s semi-final loss to Argentina, where they relinquished a 1-0 lead.
Klopp’s appointment had been anticipated for several weeks. His contract extends until the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. He described this role as the pinnacle of his coaching career.
“Jurgen Klopp is not going to have any ‘career’ after the national team,” he explained. “This is the pinnacle, the absolutely high point of my footballing career as coach. I will give everything I have got.”
This marks Klopp’s return to coaching after concluding his nine-year tenure at Liverpool in 2024, citing a need for a break due to “running out of energy.” He believes the current timing is appropriate for his return to coaching and his first role in international football.
“Over the last few days it was almost like a movie happening to myself,” he said. “I have always surmised the job of Germany head coach is really big but now it is really dawning on me what being the national team head coach is all about.”
He further elaborated that for many years, assuming this position was unimaginable, but over time, it became increasingly evident that he would eventually be asked to take on the role. Klopp stated he feels the time is now right.
Klopp also cautioned that his appointment does not automatically guarantee success, stressing the need to adjust expectations. He questioned whether Germany is as good as teams like France, acknowledging that while they may not have players like Dembele, Barcola, or Mbappe, they can still achieve victories.
“Success is performance vs expectations. We need a new set of expectations,” Klopp noted. “At the moment, we have 11 teams ahead of us. Yes, we can beat them, but for this to happen, you need to play very good, intense football.”
He expressed a desire for Germany to play in its own intense style, rather than emulating other nations. During his time at Liverpool, Klopp secured multiple trophies, including the Champions League, Premier League, Club World Cup, FA Cup, and the League Cup twice.
Following a six-month break after leaving Liverpool, Klopp took on the role of global head of football at Red Bull, having previously stated he had no desire to return to club management.
His coaching staff will include former Liverpool assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, alongside Sven Bender, who played under Klopp at Borussia Dortmund. Per Mertesacker is set to become Germany’s sporting director in January, replacing Andreas Rettig.
Klopp’s first match in charge will be against the Netherlands in a Nations League group-stage match on September 24.
Source: bbc.com
