Jurgen Klopp has opened his tenure as Germany head coach with a stark warning to the press over his family’s privacy.
The former Liverpool manager was confirmed on a four-year deal on Friday, replacing Julian Nagelsmann following Germany’s shock World Cup exit to Paraguay in the last 32.
Nagelsmann resigned this month after that humiliating defeat, leaving the German Football Association scrambling to appoint a high-profile successor.
Klopp, 59, wasted no time in setting boundaries at his first press conference, making clear he will not tolerate intrusion into his personal life.
“If you behave badly and don’t leave my family in peace then I’ll be gone, I’ll just turn away,” Klopp said bluntly at the news conference.
He also acknowledged the hostile media environment that his predecessors were forced to endure during and after this year’s tournament.
“I’m not doing this job for myself, I’m doing it for you. I’m taking this job even though I’ve seen how you’ve treated Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel,” Klopp said.
Both Nagelsmann and England manager Tuchel faced intense scrutiny following their World Cup exits, with Tuchel criticised for his tactical approach as England surrendered a 1-0 lead in their semi-final defeat by Argentina.
Klopp was equally direct about the possibility of walking away, adding: “I love this job but I am always ready to call it quits if need be.”
Despite the warnings, Klopp was passionate in his commitment to the role, describing it as the defining chapter of his career on the touchline.
“Jurgen Klopp is not going to have any ‘career’ after the national team,” he said. “This is the pinnacle, the absolutely high point of my footballing career as coach. I will give everything I have got.”
His appointment had been widely anticipated for several weeks, with his contract taking him through to the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
This marks Klopp’s return to management after stepping back from club football following his nine-year stint at Liverpool, which ended in the summer of 2024 after he admitted to “running out of energy.”
He said the break had allowed him to recharge and that he now feels the time is right to take on his first international coaching role.
“Over the last few days it was almost like a movie happening to myself,” Klopp said, reflecting on the whirlwind nature of his appointment.
“For many, many years it was unimaginable for me to assume this position. As the years went by, it became more or less evident that sooner or later I would be asked to do this job. Now I think the time is right.”
Klopp will begin his Germany reign with a Nations League group-stage fixture against the Netherlands on 24 September.
