Jürgen Klopp is the overwhelming favorite to be Germany's new head coach. In recent years, the charismatic 59-year-old was seen as the ideal candidate. In recent weeks, he has been the boss in waiting. With Julian Nagelsmann's departure now confirmed, Klopp's arrival looks a formality, especially after the German FA (DFB) announced talks had begun and that Klopp had shown a "willingness" in principle to take up the job.
Germany's last three World Cups have ended in disappointment, with two group-stage exits and the most recent knockout defeat to Paraguay in the round of 32. Euro 2024 was more positive, but generally Germany have not enjoyed a successful tournament since Euro 2016. For a four-time World Cup winner and a three-time European champion, a decade long span of disappointment sits far below expectation.
Jürgen Klopp's cheeky manner on TV during the 2026 World Cup brought him even closer to the German jobImage: Marco Bader/HMB-Media/IMAGO
A candidate in waiting
Klopp's approach to the Germany job has been a long time coming. Even as far back as late October 2024 when he took the job as "Head of Global Soccer" for Red Bull, there were reports that either his contract included a clause allowing him to become Germany head coach in the future or he had a gentleman's agreement to do the same.And during this World Cup, his role as a pundit for "MagentaTV" seems to have moved him ever closer to the job. His analysis has been seen as on point, but Klopp caused a stir whe he said: "Luckily, it's Julian Nagelsmann who's picking the team," before adding: "For now." Those two words hung over Nagelsmann, and even though Klopp apologized, it almost felt like he knew his time was fast approaching.
