Jurgen Klopp has been officially presented as Germany’s new manager — and the former Liverpool boss wasted no time in drawing a clear line over what would force him to walk away.
The 59-year-old Liverpool icon is returning to the touchline after a spell overseeing Red Bull’s global football operation following his 2024 departure from Anfield. His brief is a demanding one: revive a Germany side still reeling from another underwhelming showing at a major tournament.
Julian Nagelsmann was dismissed after Germany were eliminated by Paraguay in the Round of 32, a result that triggered a searching review of the national team’s failings. The fallout also brought unwanted attention on the players’ partners and families.
Klopp, however, used his first appearance in the role to make his position unmistakably clear, warning that he would resign on the spot if his family became a target for public or media scrutiny.
“The day you don’t want me anymore, you say so and I’m gone, without severance pay,” Klopp said, according to Bild.
“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.”
Jurgen Klopp has been named Germany manager and has already made clear what could prompt him to resign
Klopp warned he would leave if the media “don’t leave my family in peace”, following headlines around predecessor Julian Nagelsmann’s relationship with a former reporter
Klopp also described his appointment to the national team position as ‘the highlight of my career’.
‘Criticise me if something doesn’t work. I’m happy to work on it. 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.’
Wurzenberger, 34, reportedly caused ‘quite a stir’ among the squad after being ‘more present than probably any national team’s coach before her’.
She was first spotted at Germany’s pre-tournament camp in Frankfurt, when she was pictured watching training from a balcony along with a host of the players’ partners.
And after her boyfriend’s side thumped Curacao 7-1 – Wurzenberger hung around to watch the German substitutes complete their warm down.
It was then reported that she accompanied Nagelsmann back to the team hotel, before the duo were seen cycling to training together the following morning.
‘There is naturally always that feeling that when the boss’s wife is in the room, you might not always be completely honest at the table when talking about the national coach,’ local reporters speculated during the tournament.
Klopp met second wife Ulla Sandrock in 2005 and married her that same year
Wurzenberger, and indeed Nagelsmann, also incited criticism from Germany legend Lothar Matthaus, who admitted her constant presence is far from ‘ideal’.
The midfielder, who earned 150 caps, said on German television: ‘She just shouldn’t appear in the pictures too often – that wouldn’t be ideal in my opinion.
‘The players have days off and their families can come to the hotel. Lena (Wurzenberger) did that too. From my perspective, I think it’s perfectly normal.
‘Lena was able to come to the hotel just like the players’ girlfriends and wives. You can see the solidarity – but the rule shouldn’t apply to the coach. It has to happen during the time when we players are seeing their families.’
Nagelsmann and Wurzenberger are reported to have started dating soon after he split from his ex-wife Verena, following 15 years together, in 2022.
At that point Nagelsmann was manager of German giants Bayern Munich – and his new love interest reported on the club for Bild.
An article from the publication announcing their romance read: ‘Julian Nagelsmann loves Bild reporter’.
Klopp married social worker and children’s writer Ulla Sandrock in December 2005, having met at a pub during an Oktoberfest celebration that same year. He was previously married to ex-wife Sabine, with whom he shares a child.
Elsewhere, Arsenal legend Per Mertesacker will play an integral role in Klopp’s transformation of the German national team, having been appointed the new Managing Director of Sport for the federation.
