An agreement with Jürgen Klopp for the German national team coaching position is not yet finalized, despite mutual desire for a deal. This was stated by Hans-Joachim Watzke, Vice President of the German Football Association (DFB).
Klopp is a prime candidate to succeed Julian Nagelsmann, who stepped down after the national team's World Cup exit. However, the former Liverpool manager has an active contract until 2029 with the Red Bull franchise group, where he serves as global head of football.
"Certainly, nothing is finalized. We need to approach the situation realistically, especially considering Red Bull's involvement," Watzke commented to ZDF television. He was the CEO of Borussia Dortmund during Klopp's tenure as manager.
Watzke and DFB President Bernd Neuendorf are expected to travel to New York soon for negotiations with Klopp, who is currently working as a television analyst for the World Cup.
According to Watzke, the chances of reaching an agreement with Klopp are "over 50%."
"Financial aspects will be a key point in the negotiations," he added. Klopp also has personal sponsorship deals that could conflict with the DFB's partners.
"Problems exist to be solved. Of course, we have a financial threshold we cannot exceed. We expect a small concession out of patriotism, or at least I expect one specifically from Jürgen," Watzke said with a smile.
From a purely sporting perspective, the DFB Vice President is convinced that Klopp is the right choice.
"He definitely makes players better," Watzke stated, adding that under Klopp's leadership, the playing style "will probably become a bit more physical, more intense, and a bit more primal again."