EXCLUSIVE: Germany make plan that changes Klopp’s future

Steve Kay

• 15 Mar 2024 12:15 GMT
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Jurgen Klopp could yet land the Germany international head coach job, with the country’s FA prepared to make a concession for the Liverpool manager that could see him walk into the post in the future.

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed back in August that Klopp was considering his future at Anfield.

He announced in January that he would leave the Reds at the end of the season.

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The former Borussia Dortmund and Mainz head coach has indicated that he needs a break from the professional game and will take some time away from football.

The DFB understands Klopp’s position but is so keen to see him take the job that it is willing to accommodate his desire to have a sabbatical from the game.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is one example of a manager who has taken time away from football only to come back rejuvenated, and the hope is that Klopp will do the same.

As such, the DFB are willing to wait for Klopp, who FootballTransfers understands is desperate to coach the national team one day.

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Klopp and Germany a perfect fit

This is a role that would seem to suit the 56-year-old well.

It will keep him involved in football after 23 years at the top of the game in management. These have been relentless for Klopp, who has not had a significant break over this period – one of the major reasons that he will leave Liverpool. International management offers a kinder schedule and will give him the opportunity to spend more time with his family.

Clearly, the situation poses something of a problem for Germany, with Julian Nagelsmann expected to leave the post when his contract expires at the end of Euro 2024.

An interim boss will need to be appointed for the duration of Klopp’s sabbatical, which could last a year.

Given the lack of serious international action in 2025, this would allow the Liverpool boss a year to prepare for the 2026 World Cup in North America, with Germany likely to be capable of qualifying for that competition with relative ease.

This is a solution that could well suit the DFB, although it is unclear how Klopp feels about the prosect.