Jurgen Klopp confirms DFB talks to become Germany manager

The DFB announced on Friday that Nagelsmann had stepped down after Germany's disappointing World Cup campaign came to an early end. The federation also confirmed it had started the search for a new manager and had contacted Klopp about the role.

Speaking to MagentaTV, Klopp admitted discussions had already taken place.

"Yes, I can confirm the talks. Julian resigned, and the DFB is working on a succession plan and over the course of these deliberations, they have reached out to me," Klopp said.

The former Liverpool manager is currently Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull and remains under contract until 2029. However, Klopp suggested the opportunity to return to coaching now appeals to him far more than it did when he left Anfield.

"The timing, even now, is not perfect because I am currently under contract with Red Bull, but it is still better than it has ever been," he explained.

"When I stopped at Liverpool, I lacked the energy for even one more year with the club, and I'm more than recharged now."

Reports have suggested Klopp has a verbal agreement with Red Bull that would allow him to leave if he is offered the Germany job. While he did not confirm those details, he made it clear that his contract must be respected before any decision is made.

"The situation is such that I have an existing contract with Red Bull. As a person, I am usually very happy to keep contracts," Klopp said.

"But I have also said that I am very interested in the discussions. Those conversations will have to happen, and they will have to be intensive talks because, of course, the problems Germany were experiencing were not due to Julian Nagelsmann."

Klopp also praised his fellow German coach, insisting Nagelsmann's reputation should not be damaged by the national team's recent struggles.

"Julian Nagelsmann is an extraordinary coach, and he will have the opportunity to prove that many times in his coaching career," Klopp concluded.