Jurgen Klopp Faces Simple Challenge as Germany Boss, Backed to Bring Intense Football to Euros and World Cup
Jurgen Klopp has been given a straightforward mission as he steps in as manager of the Germany national team: to be “less sh*t.” Former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund defender Robert Huth told GOAL that Klopp will introduce his energetic, “heavy metal football” style to the international stage while aiming for success at the European Championship and World Cup.
From Liverpool Legend to Germany’s Sidelines
In the summer of 2024, Klopp ended his memorable nine-year spell at Liverpool, where he secured Premier League and Champions League titles. After cutting short his contract, he took a break from coaching, joining Red Bull as their Head of Global Football. This role allowed him more family time and freed him from the daily pressures of team selection and transfers.
Despite stepping away, the urge to return to coaching never faded. Linked with top European jobs, including Real Madrid, Klopp eventually accepted the call to lead Die Mannschaft after Julian Nagelsmann’s disappointing 2026 World Cup exit. Now 59, Klopp signed a contract extending through the 2030 World Cup, ready to inject his unique management style into the team once again.
Expectations and Early Impressions
When asked about what success means for Klopp, ex-Germany international Robert Huth said via SportsbookReview.com, “Be less sh*t! The bar isn’t very high right now.” He added that Klopp’s appointment instantly united the nation’s football community, with many recalling how they wished Klopp had taken the role a decade ago.
“He’s got that personality, mindset, and knowledge to bring a nation back together,” Huth said. “I watched his first press conference and thought, ‘I want to put my boots back on and play again!’ Not because I’d make the team, but because you could feel his passion.”
Huth praised Klopp’s honest message to players: no empty words, just a clear call to fight harder and value the German badge. Klopp didn’t criticize previous managers but stressed the need for more effort compared to other nations who have gone further recently in major tournaments.
The former defender noted positive feedback from Bundesliga clubs, mentioning Klopp’s active presence at pre-season and club matches. “On paper, it looks promising,” Huth said.
Looking Ahead to Major Tournaments
Huth expects Germany to improve significantly in upcoming competitions, though he cautioned that winning won’t be easy with strong teams like France, England, Brazil, and Argentina in the mix. Still, he emphasized that Germany should leave everything on the pitch, something he felt was missing in recent years.
“We’ve been sh*t since 2014, so a semi-final would be alright,” Huth admitted. “If Germany can mirror the intensity, pace, energy, and spirit Klopp showed at Liverpool and Dortmund, I’m excited. It’s tough to replicate at national level, but if anyone can do it, it’s him. That would be true heavy metal football!”
Upcoming Fixtures and Future Goals
Klopp’s first match in charge will be a UEFA Nations League game against the Netherlands at Amsterdam’s Johan Cruyff Arena on Thursday. His home debut follows on Sunday against Greece at Augsburg’s WWK Arena.
Qualification for Euro 2028 begins in March 2027. Germany’s best recent result at a major tournament was reaching the quarter-finals at the 2024 Euros on home soil. With Klopp at the helm, hopes are high for stronger performances moving forward.
- UEFA Nations League opener: Netherlands vs Germany, 24 Sept 2026, 21:45
