Jürgen Klopp is still not officially Germany’s next head coach. But he’s already talking to the guy who would be his boss.
On Tuesday, the German federation confirmed Rudi Völler will stay on as sporting director through 2028, even after the national team’s stunning World Cup exit to Paraguay in the round of 32. That decision came after Völler sat down with Klopp, who’s been the heavy favorite to replace Julian Nagelsmann for weeks now.
Klopp, working as a pundit for MagentaTV, spilled the details on that conversation Tuesday night.
“The situation is actually unusual because nothing has been decided yet,” Klopp said. “But nevertheless, some conversations can take place regardless of how it ultimately turns out. And when you read that people were wondering whether Rudi Völler could work with me if the situation arose, I thought it was important to speak directly with him and clarify that this wouldn’t be an issue from my side.”
Translation: Klopp wanted to make sure Völler was cool with the idea before anything got too real. And Völler apparently is.
The former Liverpool manager was pretty direct about why having Völler around matters to him. It’s not about ego or control. It’s about the gap in his own resume.
“If it were to happen, it would be helpful to have someone there who knows the processes and everything involved,” Klopp said. “Rudi, on the one hand, has his football experience and, on the other hand, his many years of work within the federation – something where I would have no experience if I became the coach. I have never played for the national team nor have I ever managed one.”
That’s the thing about Klopp. He’s won the Champions League. He’s won the Premier League. But he’s never coached a national team. Never had to deal with the weird rhythm of international breaks, the limited time with players, the politics inside a federation. Völler has been doing that dance for years.
The federation has not made any official announcement about Nagelsmann’s future or a timeline for Klopp’s appointment. But everything is pointing in one direction. Klopp has been out of work since leaving Liverpool at the end of last season, and he’s made it clear he’s not interested in just any club job. Germany feels like the right fit.
For now, it’s a waiting game. But Klopp and Völler have already had the conversation that matters most. And they’re on the same page.
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