The German Football Association and Jurgen Klopp reached a mutual agreement on Saturday for the latter to take over as head coach of 'Die Mannschaft', but this agreement still requires the approval of Klopp's current employer, the Red Bull group, according to what the local football association announced on Saturday.

The association stated in a press release: 'Association president Bernd Neuendorf and his deputy Hans-Joachim Watzke held a preliminary in-depth meeting with Jurgen Klopp in New York on Friday to discuss the possibility of appointing him as the national team's head coach.'

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He added: 'During this constructive dialogue, an agreement was reached on the main points of a potential contract. Discussions will resume next week. Both sides are confident that the negotiations can be successfully concluded, provided that Klopp's current employer, Red Bull, gives its approval.' He concluded by saying: 'Any potential contract must receive final approval from the Supervisory Board and the General Assembly of the German Football Association.'

Since Julian Nagelsmann's resignation following Germany's humiliating elimination by Paraguay on penalties (3-4 and 1-1 in regular and extra time) in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, Klopp (59 years old) has become the association's preferred candidate to succeed him.

After successful stints at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, he became a legend at Liverpool, winning the English Premier League title in 2020, ending a 30-year drought from the trophy podium, one year after winning the UEFA Champions League.

Klopp left Liverpool in June 2024 after nine seasons, during which he led the team to win numerous titles.

Since January 1, 2025, Klopp has been working as Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull, overseeing the various clubs affiliated with the Austrian energy drink brand.

German football is experiencing an unprecedented crisis, having suffered three consecutive World Cup losses: 'Die Mannschaft' exited in the group stage in 2018 and 2022, and in the round of 32 in the current edition.