The German Football Association (DFB) has begun finalizing plans to appoint Jürgen Klopp as its new national team coach following Julian Nagelsmann’s departure, with DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and league president Hans-Joachim Watzke set to meet Klopp in New York as early as next week, according to reports. The discussions, which will focus on Klopp’s potential transition from his role as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, mark a critical juncture in the DFB’s search for a successor to the recently dismissed coach.
Klopp, who has publicly signaled his willingness to take the role, acknowledged in a MagentaTV interview that “it will take time” to resolve his contractual obligations with Red Bull. The Austrian energy drink giant, which has a multi-year agreement with Klopp, is expected to demand a significant transfer fee for his release, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. Red Bull’s executive director, Oliver Mintzlaff, is currently in England for the Silverstone F1 Grand Prix, complicating immediate discussions.
The DFB’s decision to pursue Klopp reflects his deep ties to German football, particularly his long-term partnership with Watzke during his time at Borussia Dortmund. The two men, who last collaborated during Dortmund’s Bundesliga and Champions League success, are expected to address both logistical and strategic matters during their upcoming meeting. Klopp, who is based in New York as a World Cup analyst for MagentaTV, is likely to use the trip to the U.S. to finalize details of his potential move.
Next Steps for DFB Leadership
DFB officials confirmed on Wednesday that the first step in the search for a new coach was to engage with Klopp, citing his “basic willingness” to take the role. Neuendorf, 64, and Watzke, 67, are scheduled to travel to the U.S. within the next seven days, with the meeting reportedly set to occur in New York. The location was chosen due to Klopp’s current presence in the city for the World Cup, as well as his ongoing media commitments.
The DFB’s urgency stems from the need to secure a coach ahead of the 2024 European Championship qualifiers, which begin in September. However, the process is complicated by Klopp’s existing contract with Red Bull, which expires in 2029. A DFB spokesperson stated, “We are aware of the challenges, but we remain committed
