Jurgen Klopp has wasted little time laying down the law after being unveiled as Germany’s new manager, warning he will walk away from the role immediately if his family become the target of unwanted attention.
The former Liverpool boss was officially presented as Julian Nagelsmann’s successor after agreeing to lead his country until 2030 following Germany’s disappointing World Cup campaign.
But while Klopp spoke passionately about taking charge of the national team, he also issued a firm message to the German Football Association (DFB), insisting there is one issue on which he will refuse to compromise.
The 59-year-old made it clear he can accept criticism of his coaching, but drew a red line when it comes to the privacy of his loved ones.
“The day you don’t want me anymore, you say so and I’m gone, without severance pay,” Klopp said.
“If you say tomorrow that he’s rubbish, I’m gone. Not just one person, it would have to be more than that. If the DFB says he’s rubbish, I’m gone.
“If you behave badly and don’t leave my family in peace, I’m gone.”
Klopp’s comments come after his predecessor, Nagelsmann, found both his private life and relationship under intense scrutiny during Germany’s ill-fated World Cup campaign.
Jurgen Klopp has wasted little time laying down the law after being unveiled as Germany’s new manager, warning he will walk away from the role immediately if his family become the target of unwanted attention
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Nagelsmann departed after Germany crashed out in the last 32 following a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay, prompting widespread criticism of the team’s performances both on and off the pitch.
Throughout the tournament, German media focused heavily on the presence of the coach’s partner, Lena Wurzenberger, who was frequently seen around the squad’s training base and team hotel.
Reports claimed Wurzenberger became a regular figure within Germany’s camp, watching training sessions and spending time with Nagelsmann throughout the competition.
Her visibility sparked debate in Germany, with some commentators questioning whether such a prominent presence around the national team was appropriate.
Julian Nagelsmann was sacked by Germany after their World Cup disaster | REUTERS
Former Germany captain Lothar Matthäus was among those to voice concerns.
“She just shouldn’t appear in the pictures too often – that wouldn’t be ideal in my opinion,” he said.
“The players have days off and their families can come to the hotel. Lena did that too. From my perspective, I think it’s perfectly normal.
“But the rule shouldn’t apply to the coach. It has to happen during the time when we players are seeing their families.”
Klopp, who is married to children’s author and former social worker Ulla Sandrock, appears determined to avoid similar distractions as he begins one of the biggest jobs in international football.
Despite his uncompromising warning, the German also described becoming national team manager as the crowning achievement of his career.
“Criticise me if something doesn’t work. I’m happy to work on it,” Klopp said.
Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to shine as Germany manager following his appointment
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“It’s all about the job.
“Jurgen Klopp doesn’t have a career after the national team. Ideally, this is the highlight of my career.”
Klopp returns to coaching for the first time since leaving Liverpool in 2024 after a spell overseeing Red Bull’s global football operations.
He now inherits a Germany side desperate to rebuild after another disappointing major tournament, with expectations high that one of football’s most successful modern managers can restore the four-time world champions to the top of the international game.
