The Germany job is moving toward the finish line, with reports saying only a few details remain after productive talks in Munich. The meeting brought together DFB President Bernd Neuendorf, Vice President Hans-Joachim Watzke and Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff to discuss Klopp's release from his Red Bull contract. Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg also said it was never planned for Klopp to stay on as a Red Bull ambassador if he becomes Bundestrainer.
Munich talks and the Red Bull exit
Plettenberg's wording was blunt: "it was NEVER planned for Jürgen Klopp to remain a Red Bull ambassador while serving as the new Bundestrainer. Red Bull's only wish is for Klopp to remain available from time to time to share his expertise while serving as Bundestrainer."
That fits the wider picture. The strongest reporting has shifted this from a loose rumour to an appointment that is close to being finalised, even if it is still being described as agreement-in-principle rather than a completed handover. The important part is the structure of the deal, not a dramatic unveiling.
The DFB have already announced Julian Nagelsmann’s exit and named Klopp as their preferred candidate. That is a serious step, and it is why the story now reads more like contract housekeeping than a battle over whether the move will happen at all.
Why Germany want him now
Germany's recent tournament record explains the urgency. Their 2026 World Cup campaign in the curated pack runs through a 2-1 loss to Ecuador, a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast and a 7-1 win over Curaçao. The 2022 group stage was mixed too, with a 2-1 loss to Japan, a 1-1 draw with Spain and a 4-2 win over Costa Rica. The 2018 sample is even starker, with two losses noted, against Mexico and South Korea.
Marco Reus told bundesliga.com: "I think Klopp is the perfect coach, whether it's for a club or a national team. He has the personality needed to lead any team, but when you talk about Germany, it's not just about the national team. I think if he takes the job, he'll change a lot of things."
Lothar Matthäus took a similar line, calling Klopp "one of the most successful German coaches in football history" and saying Bayern München should stay out of the noise. That backing matters because this is no longer about whether Klopp fits the job. It is about whether the last pieces of the agreement can be finished without delay.
The sensible read is that the move is close, with the Red Bull question already being separated from the national-team role. Germany want a reset, and the reports now suggest they may be getting it.
Once the remaining details are settled, the next public step should be a formal announcement from the federation.
FAQ
Is Jürgen Klopp actually set to become Germany coach?
The strongest reporting says the move is close, not formally confirmed. Talks in Munich were productive, and the coverage points to an agreement in principle with only a few details left to settle.
Why do Germany want Jürgen Klopp now?
Germany have been pushed toward a reset after poor World Cup form, and the DFB have named Klopp as the preferred candidate after Julian Nagelsmann’s exit was announced. The case for him is built on personality, experience and a proven record.
Will Jürgen Klopp keep a Red Bull role if he takes the Germany job?
No. The reporting says it was never planned for him to remain a Red Bull ambassador while serving as Bundestrainer, with Red Bull only wanting him available from time to time to share his expertise.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →
