Jürgen Klopp declared his desire to help the national side reshape the nation after his official appointment as head coach, yet he cautioned that he would step aside if journalists pursued his relatives during his tenure.

During an open initial media session following his introduction as Julian Nagelsmann’s successor, Klopp indicated this position could mark his last major role in elite football and voiced remorse for earlier light-hearted comments about the prior coach while serving as a broadcast analyst at the World Cup. His mission involves rebuilding Germany after an early exit to Paraguay in the round of 32, with no advancement past that stage since their 2014 triumph.

This return to the sideline comes two years after Klopp departed Liverpool following a successful nine-year spell, during which he cited exhaustion. He has served as Red Bull’s head of global soccer since January 2025, though a move back to direct management seemed likely once Nagelsmann left on 3 July.

Klopp committed to mending the strained ties between the national squad and the German public, drawing on his Liverpool experience where the sport united the broader community.

“I want to build an atmosphere where supporters leave the stadium saying: ‘That was exciting,’” he noted. “I want fans to feel: ‘It was worthwhile watching Germany for the full 90 minutes.’ I have seen how the game can uplift a city, and beyond that, it can uplift an entire nation. In the best case, football transforms a country.”

The 59-year-old holds a contract through the 2030 World Cup. Still, he stressed he would not accept intrusive reporting and would exit without payment if his family’s privacy were breached.

“I accept this role despite witnessing the scrutiny on Nagelsmann,” he remarked. “I accept it despite seeing the coverage Thomas Tuchel faced in England. When you no longer want me, I will leave without compensation. If you decide tomorrow I am inadequate, say it directly and I depart. Should you act poorly and disturb my family, I will walk away without hesitation.

“Question my methods if results falter. Jürgen Klopp has no plans beyond the national team. This stands as the peak of my coaching path. I will invest all my energy.”

Klopp faced backlash last month for remarks during a television broadcast of the group match against Curaçao alongside Thomas Müller, where he seemed to suggest Nagelsmann’s time was limited by noting he was “still” selecting the squad. He quickly apologised then and reiterated that sentiment on Friday, adding the two have not spoken since the appointment.

“We have not communicated,” he said, extending birthday wishes to Nagelsmann who turned 39 on Thursday. “It was meant as humour. Looking back, it ranks among my poorest attempts at wit. I deeply regret it and have offered countless apologies.

“It was an impulsive comment without any hidden intent, and I wish him well going forward.

“He can now pursue fresh challenges, and I am confident he will secure top roles with major clubs ahead.”

Klopp pledged an attacking style featuring wingers but noted Germany must develop their approach to match talent levels elsewhere. “Achievement means performing above what is expected,” he explained. “Asking if we match France leads to a clear no. We lack players of the calibre of Dembélé, Mbappé, Doué and Barcola, yet victory remains possible.

“We seek our own German approach, marked by high intensity. We are not the top side currently, and we recognise there are 11 teams ranked higher. Overcoming them requires sharp, energetic play.”

International duty will shift Klopp from his club background. “Direct contact need not involve daily sessions,” he said. “It may last 30 minutes or an hour on the field. Yet all players carry phones. I will reach out, hear their views, review matches and share thoughts. This also aids development.”

Klopp’s first test arrives in Amsterdam versus the Netherlands on 24 September, part of four Nations League fixtures across 11 days. “The players must demonstrate, not merely claim, that representing Germany holds special value,” he concluded.