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Jürgen Klopp has been officially confirmed as the new coach of the German national football team.
The German Football Association (DFB) unveiled the 59-year-old at its headquarters in Frankfurt on Friday morning. His appointment follows the departure of previous head coach Julian Nagelsmann.
After Germany’s disappointing showing at the World Cup, Klopp will be tasked with leading the Germans back to winning ways.
The charismatic former Liverpool boss has long been the preferred choice of many fans and officials to take the reins.
High expectations
Fans will hope Klopp’s hugely impressive club record and high-energy approach will be the key to changing the fortunes of the national side.
But he will face some major challenges, and he has some big decisions to make after yet another early World Cup exit for Germany.
Klopp will have to decide whether Joshua Kimmich should remain as captain and who will replace veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer following his retirement from international football. He will also need to work out what to do with older players such as Antonio Rüdiger and Leon Goretzka while finding opportunities for younger players looking to break into the side.
Klopp is expected to take time to speak with the team’s leaders before making his first sporting decisions.
A trusted coaching team
Klopp is bringing several long-time companions with him into the job.
Peter Krawietz will once again work as his assistant, while Pepijn Lijnders, with whom Klopp enjoyed many successful years at Liverpool, also joins the coaching staff. Former Germany international Sven Bender will further strengthen the team.
Klopp does not have much time to get prepared, however.
On 24 September, he will make his debut on the touchline in a Nations League match against the Netherlands, with games against Greece and Serbia to follow soon after.
From Mainz coach to global star
Klopp began his coaching career in 2001 at 1. FSV Mainz 05, leading them to the Bundesliga for the first time.
In 2008, he moved to Borussia Dortmund, winning the German league title twice and guiding BVB to the Champions League final.
He went on to become a club legend at Liverpool, winning the Champions League in 2019 and ending a 30-year title drought by lifting the English league title in 2020.
After leaving Liverpool, Klopp initially moved into a leadership role in international football before now taking on the challenge of coaching the national team.
His contract with the German FA runs until after the 2030 World Cup.