Jurgen Klopp has warned he will quit as Germany head coach if the media intrudes on his family’s privacy, as he outlined his expectations during his first press conference following his appointment.
The former Liverpool manager, who signed a four-year contract on Friday to replace Julian Nagelsmann, said protecting his family was non-negotiable.
“If you behave badly and don’t leave my family in peace, then I’ll be gone, I’ll just turn away,” Klopp said.
“I know there are other countries where national team coaches are treated even worse.
“I love this job but I am always ready to call it quits if need be.”
Klopp’s appointment came after Nagelsmann stepped down following Germany’s shock elimination by Paraguay in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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The 59-year-old’s contract is expected to keep him in charge through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
“Jurgen Klopp is not going to have any ‘career’ after the national team,” he added.
“This is the pinnacle, the absolutely high point of my footballing career as coach. I will give everything I have got.”
Klopp described his appointment as the fulfilment of a role he had long believed he would eventually take.
“Over the last few days it was almost like a movie happening to myself,” he said.
“I have always surmised the job of Germany head coach is really big but now it is really dawning on me what being the national team head coach is all about.
“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.”
The Germany job marks Klopp’s return to coaching after leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season, citing a lack of energy after nearly nine years at Anfield.
It is also his first role in international football, having previously managed only club sides, including Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.
Klopp will take charge of his first match when Germany face the Netherlands in a UEFA Nations League group-stage fixture on 24 September.
