Jurgen Klopp has been confirmed as Germany’s new head coach on a deal running until the end of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, marking his return to management for the first time since leaving Liverpool in 2024. Klopp takes over a German side at one of its lowest points following Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation last month.
Jurgen Klopp Returns to Management With Germany Through 2030
Klopp steps into the national team hotseat after citing fatigue when he left Liverpool in 2024 following a nine-year tenure that yielded a Premier League title, a UEFA Champions League trophy, and a FIFA Club World Cup. His immediate task is rebuilding the national squad after Nagelsmann resigned when Germany lost to Paraguay in the round of 32. Klopp’s contract secures his leadership through the next UEFA European Championship and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
“Over the last few days it was almost like a movie happening to myself,” Klopp said regarding his appointment, having previously served as Red Bull’s global head of soccer since late 2024. “I have always surmised the job of Germany head coach is really big, but now it is really dawning on me what being the national team head coach is all about.” Klopp’s first match in charge will take place in September against the Netherlands, a side captained by his former Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
Klopp is bringing a familiar support staff to the national setup. His coaching team will include former Liverpool assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz. Additionally, Per Mertesacker will assume the role of DFB sporting director in January after concluding his tenure running Arsenal’s academy at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Manchester United Includes 15-Year-Old JJ Gabriel in Senior Squad
Manchester United has named 15-year-old wonderkid JJ Gabriel in the club’s senior 25-man travelling squad for a pre-season friendly against Rosenborg in Trondheim. Gabriel missed out on Premier League matchday squads last season because academy players must have turned 15 before the end of August to feature in that season. Despite age restrictions, the forward excelled for the Under-18s by scoring 29 times in 32 appearances.
“JJ’s a big talent,” manager Michael Carrick stated regarding the young winger, who was named Under-18 Premier League player of the season last campaign. “It’s pretty obvious to know that. And he’s had a really good season for the Under-18s. We obviously think an awful lot of him, but patience is important in managing everything that comes with working with him.” While Gabriel turns 16 in October, the record for the youngest competitive debutant for Manchester United remains goalkeeper David Gaskell, who played in 1956 at 16 years and 19 days old.
Newcastle United Recruits Aladji Bamba in Youth-Focused Transfer Window
Newcastle United has completed the signing of 20-year-old central midfielder Aladji Bamba from Monaco, continuing a recruitment drive targeting young prospects. Bamba’s arrival takes the average age of Newcastle’s summer signings to 19.5. The club previously added 20-year-old goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Reims, 20-year-old winger Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim, and 18-year-old central midfielder Sean Steur from Ajax following the departures of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon to Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona respectively.
Bamba made his professional debut at Monaco last season. Among Ligue 1 midfielders who played at least 500 minutes during that campaign, Bamba ranked in the top five for duels won with an average of 9.1 per game, 3.6 tackles, 1.6 successful take-ons, and 1.9 aerial duels won. Naturally defensive-minded, Bamba arrives as a potential long-term successor to Tonali.
Andy Robertson Omits Number 26 Shirt at Tottenham to Honor Ledley King
Tottenham Hotspur signing Andy Robertson has chosen not to wear his customary No 26 shirt out of respect for club legend Ledley King. Robertson wore the No 26 for most of his domestic career at Dundee United, Hull City, and during his nine years at Liverpool. Because the No 26 has not been worn by a Spurs player since King retired in 2012, Robertson selected the No 3 shirt instead.
“From my point of view, I wanted to respect that,” Robertson said of club ambassador King. “He was an unbelievable player and has done so many good things for this football club. Number 3 means a lot to me – that’s my national team number, I’ve had so many good memories as number 3 for Scotland so when I knew 3 was going to become available, it was a no-brainer for me.” Robertson is expected to make his debut during Tottenham’s pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia, where the squad faces Auckland, Sydney FC, and Chelsea.
Did You Know?
Jurgen Klopp’s backroom staff for the Germany national team includes former Liverpool assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, reuniting the core trio that secured domestic and European honors at Anfield.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Jurgen Klopp’s contract with Germany end?
Jurgen Klopp’s contract as Germany head coach runs until the end of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Who will assist Jurgen Klopp on the Germany coaching staff?
Klopp will be joined by former Liverpool assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, while Per Mertesacker takes over as DFB sporting director in January.
Why did Andy Robertson wear the No 3 shirt instead of No 26 at Tottenham?
Robertson chose No 3 to respect club legend Ledley King, whose No 26 shirt has not been worn by a Spurs player since King’s retirement in 2012.
How old is JJ Gabriel and why couldn’t he play in the Premier League last season?
JJ Gabriel is 15 years old and did not meet the requirement that academy players must have turned 15 before the end of August to feature in that season.
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