World Cup: Klopp Takes a Hard Line with German Fans: “Do That to Me, and I’m Done”

Germany’s new head coach, Jürgen Klopp—who took over from Julian Nagelsmann following the German national team’s failure at the 2026 World Cup—immediately set the record straight during his introductory press conference, sending a clear message to fans and the media: “If you do this to me, I’m out.”

“I’m not doing this job for myself. I’m doing it for you. I’m accepting this position even though I’ve seen how you treated Julian Nagelsmann. I’m accepting it even though I’ve seen how you treated Thomas Tuchel,” he said bluntly. “If you lash out at my family, I’m out. If you think I’m a piece of crap, tell me to my face and I’ll leave immediately, without asking for any severance pay.”

“The day you no longer want me, I’ll leave, without any severance pay. If tomorrow you say I’m a piece of crap, I’ll leave,” continued the former Liverpool coach. “Criticize me if something isn’t working. I’m happy to work on it. It’s just about the job.” Klopp also explained that Germany will be his final coaching stint: “Jürgen Klopp has no career after the national team. Ideally, this is the pinnacle of my career.”

Klopp has been called upon to revive the Mannschaft, which—after decades of absolute dominance at the World Cup (4 World Cup titles, 4 second-place finishes, 4 third-place finishes)—hasn’t reached the round of 16 at the World Cup since 2014, when it was crowned world champion.