Jurgen Klopp threatens to quit Germany

Jurgen Klopp started his Germany tenure by threatening to quit if the media invades his family privacy as the former Liverpool boss warned he will not tolerate invasive treatment from journalists.

Klopp was unveiled as Germany’s new head coach on Friday after the German Football Association (DFB) sacked Julian Nagelsmann following the country’s shock 2026 FIFA World Cup Round-of-32 exit.

Ex-Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool coach Klopp, who had been Red Bull’s global head of soccer, was the DFB’s first choice to lead the four-time world champions.

However, the 59-year-old had a stern warning at his introductory press conference.

“I’m taking this job even though I’ve seen how you treated Nagelsmann,” he told reporters. “I’m taking this job even though I’ve seen how you’ve treated, in England, Thomas Tuchel.

“The day you don’t want me any more, I’m gone, without any severance pay. If you say tomorrow: ‘He’s shit,’ tell me to my face and I’m out.

“If you behave badly and don’t leave my family in peace, I’m gone, I’ll just turn away.

“Criticise me if something doesn’t work. Jürgen Klopp is not going to have any career after the national team. This is the pinnacle of my career as a coach. I will give it everything I’ve got.”

Klopp left Premier League giants Liverpool at the end of 2023-24.

He won the Premier League and UEFA Champions League during his successful spell at Anfield, while he won two Bundesliga trophies and reached the Champions League final in his time with Dortmund.

Klopp will now lead Germany into the Nations League, qualifying for Euro 2028 in the British Isles and qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup. His contract will begin on August 15.

His first match in charge will be against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on September 24 in Germany’s opening Nations League fixture.

“I want to create a situation where fans go home after the game and say: ‘Wow, that was cool,’” Klopp said. “I want people to say: ‘Wow, it was worth putting the TV on for 90 minutes to see Germany play.’

“I’ve lived and experienced how football can change a city. And I think it’s not only about cities, it’s also about the country. Ideally, football can change a country.”

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