“I’m ready”: Jürgen Klopp confirms talks with national coach

Jürgen Klopp has confirmed talks with the German Football Association for the national coaching position, but does not expect an agreement in the short term. “I’m more than recharged now, so I’m ready,” said Klopp on MagentaTV. When asked what was still missing for a signature, Klopp replied with one word: “Time”.

First he has to clarify contractual matters with his current employer Red Bull. But the 59-year-old also expects fundamental negotiations with the DFB. “There will have to be intensive discussions because of course the problems we are currently having are not linked to Julian Nagelsmann’s personality,” said Klopp.

Praise for Nagelsmann

Nagelsmann resigned from his position on Friday – four days after the national soccer team was eliminated from the World Cup in the first knockout round against Paraguay. Klopp expressly praised the 38-year-old: “Julian is an extraordinary coach. He will be able to prove that many times in his coaching life,” said Klopp.

Klopp is currently working as an expert for MagentaTV in the USA. However, his main job is as chief strategist for Red Bull’s football division. He has already spoken to his boss Oliver Mintzlaff. “Ideally, in the end there are only winners after a story like this that you just say, okay, Red Bull must be able to get out of the situation cleanly,” said Klopp.

Without the defeat against Paraguay the situation would be different, emphasized Klopp. “But now things are as they are. Julian has resigned and the DFB is taking care of a succession plan and has approached me in the course of these thoughts that they have had,” he said.

By Editor