Klopp returns to management for 'special' Germany job

The former Liverpool boss had been out of management since leaving Anfield at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

He initially announced his decision to leave after a near nine-season spell on Merseyside in January 2024, claiming he was “running out of energy”.

But after serving as head of global football for Red Bull GmbH, he has been appointed as Julian Nagelsmann’s successor on a four-year deal.

A delighted Klopp, 59, said: "The national team can unite us Germans like almost nothing else. That's precisely what makes this task so special for me.

"I'm grateful for everything I've experienced and learned at Red Bull over the past year and a half and for the openness that made this agreement possible. Now I'm looking forward to this special task in German football.

"We will approach it together with humility and patience — developing a team that fights for each other, that enjoys football and behind which the people of our country can rally with complete conviction."

The DFB turned to Klopp after Nagelsmann oversaw Germany’s disappointing World Cup campaign in North America.

Having topped Group E, the Germans were eliminated in the round of 32 when Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties after the tie ended 1-1.

Announcing his departure earlier this month, Nagelsmann said: “This decision has not been an easy one for me at all. My primary objective has always been the success of the team.

“After such a painful disappointment, the team deserves the opportunity for a true new start.

Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

“I would like to thank my coaching team, the staff, everyone within the association who supported us and in particular the players, with whom I was able to work in such a trusting manner.

“A special thank you also goes to the fans. You carried us along, you believed in us, you gave us energy, even in difficult periods.

“It deeply saddens me that we have disappointed you and that we were unable to give you more nights of football at this World Cup. You deserved far more.”

Klopp’s first task will be to prepare Germany for Nations League fixtures against the Netherlands and Greece in September.

He will be joined in his new role by former Liverpool assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, along with Sven Bender, who played under his fellow German at Borussia Dortmund.

Meanwhile, Per Mertesacker will become Germany's sporting director in January, replacing Andreas Rettig.

Mertesacker, 41, stepped down as Arsenal's academy manager after eight years at the end of last season.

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