Jurgen Klopp ‘will be Germany’s top target to succeed Julian Nagelsmann as manager if he leaves after the 2026 World Cup’, country’s football chief reveals
- Jurgen Klopp has been enjoying his time off since leaving Liverpool in May
- Sporting director Rudi Voller says they will target the 57-year-old ‘if he wants’
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If Jürgen Klopp decides to return as coach, he is one of the targets for the German national team.
Klopp left his post as Liverpool manager in May after a successful nine-year spell in which he led the club to Champions League and Premier League triumphs.
The 57-year-old has been enjoying his time off and indicated he needed some rest after announcing his decision earlier this year.
Germany is currently coached by Julian Nagelsmann, whose contract runs until the end of the 2026 World Cup. However, it is unclear what his future will be after that.
The national team’s sporting director, Rudi Voller, says they will tackle Klopp if he decides to return to the club management.
Jurgen Klopp has been enjoying his time off since leaving Liverpool in May
German sporting director Rudi Voller says they will approach the 57-year-old ‘if he wants to’
“I don’t even know what Jurgen would like to do again. If Julian Nagelsmann would decide at some point that he would rather coach a top club again, then of course there is no way around Jurgen Klopp. If that is what he wants,” Voller said ZDF’s Current Sports Studio.
Klopp’s latest offer comes after he was previously mentioned as a potential candidate to replace Gregg Berhalter as coach of the US national team.
Other high-profile names considered included Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Brentford manager Thomas Frank, former England manager Gareth Southgate and former Chelsea manager Graham Potter.
Although Klopp initially held talks about the job, he did not want to accept the job.
Eventually, former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was appointed.
US officials are said to have conducted an in-depth investigation into each potential candidate to assess their playing style.
Germany is currently led by Julian Nagelsmann, whose contract runs until the end of the 2026 World Cup.
Pochettino is said to have impressed the chieftains during a four-hour meeting.
The US were eager for a fresh start after being eliminated in the group stage of the Copa America. They will co-host the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico.