Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could be the next to assume the managerial role of the German national team after a disastrous performance in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
According to Sky Sports, the German Football Association (DFB) are considering Jurgen Klopp as one of the top candidates for the position, which is currently vacant after the recent sacking of Hansi Flick.
Flick has made history as the first-ever Germany manager to be dismissed from his role after a devastating 4-1 loss to Japan on Saturday night. The former Bayern Munich coach’s tenure witnessed a highly disappointing World Cup outing, accompanied by his side’s failure to advance beyond the group stage and a string of five winless matches since March.
Die Mannschaft boasts a strong global football reputation, owing to years of exceptional performance. They have reached the semifinals or beyond in nine out of their last 13 European Championship tournaments and have played in eight World Cup finals, clinching victory in four of them.
However, before Flick assumed leadership, the team’s fortunes started to decline, with their elimination in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup marking their first early exit in 80 years.
As they prepare for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament on home soil next summer, Germany are actively seeking a high-calibre manager to replace Flick. Klopp is said to be among their leading candidates for the currently vacant coaching position. The DFB are highly impressed with the Liverpool boss and are open to the possibility of him taking a dual role with club and country.
During a summer interview with Sky Germany, the 56-year-old was questioned about the possibility of taking on the role of Germany’s national team coach, to which he gave a rather opposite response.
“The job of national coach is and would be a great honour. There’s no question about that. The problem that stands in the way of the whole thing is my loyalty. I can’t just leave Liverpool now and say I’ll take over Germany for a short time. That doesn’t work.”
Julian Nagelmann is another candidate being considered for the position of Germany’s head coach. For now, Rudi Voller is expected to temporarily lead the team in their upcoming match against France on Tuesday. However, the attention will soon shift towards finding a perfect replacement for the European Championships set to take place in Germany next summer.
Given his impressive track record spanning 15 years with Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, Klopp stands out as the most widely recognised German coach worldwide. Hence, it’s logical for the DFB to entertain the idea of having him lead the national team.
However, the former Borussia Dortmund boss is under contract with the Reds until 2026. While his dynamic and aggressive style of football would certainly rejuvenate Germany’s stagnant performance, the DFB will need to be patient, as they can only realistically hope to secure his services at the earliest.
It seems that he will be committed to his role at Anfield and has already started pursuing squad-rebuilding plans. The Liverpool manager signed a number of midfielders, highlighting his plan for the club and his desire to build a team that can compete for years.
It is rather difficult to see him leave the Reds anytime soon, and the fans will be relieved by the fact that their UCL-winning manager continues to be a loyal servant to the historic English club.
