‘I will leave’: Newly appointed coach issues stern rule on first day
Jurgen Klopp was officially introduced as Germany’s head coach on Saturday morning AEST, wasting no time in issuing a strong warning to reporters.
Klopp, 59, replaces Julian Nagelsmann after Germany’s round of 32 exit in the World Cup.
Klopp gave a strong warning to those in the room. Michael Probst
Driven by national pride, Klopp made it clear that while he embraces the footballing challenge, he will not tolerate any harassment of his family.
“If at any point you all think – it’s not enough for just one or two to feel this way – that I should leave, I will leave without severance pay,” Klopp said.
“If you go after my family and don’t leave them alone, I will leave.
“I’ve seen what happened with Julian and (England coach Thomas) Tuchel. I know it’s worse in other countries.
“This is the only thing I ask: Criticise me for it, whether something works or whether it doesn’t work. You don’t need to praise me too much when it works. That should be a matter of course.
“If it doesn’t work, I am more than willing to work on it.”
Klopp formerly was the head coach of Liverpool (2015-24) and Borussia Dortmund (2008-15). He was named the FIFA Coach of the Year in 2019 and 2020.
He said he’s ready for the challenge of revitalising a struggling German side. Since winning the 2014 World Cup, Germany has endured a prolonged slump, suffering group-stage exits in both 2018 and 2022 before this year’s early elimination on penalties against Paraguay.
“There is a mission to be accomplished. It is my mission to make the national team squad a better team,” Klopp said.
Emphasising his singular focus on turning the program around, Klopp declared this role the pinnacle and the conclusion of his managerial journey.
“All I’m there for is the issue. Jurgen Klopp is not going to have any ‘career’ after the national team. This is the high point of my footballing career as national team coach.”
