Jürgen Klopp returns to management as Germany head coach

German manager Jürgen Klopp has reportedly returned to football management to take over the now-vacant role of head coach of the German national team following the resignation of former boss Julian Nagelsmann after Germany’s disappointing World Cup exit in the Round of 32.

Klopp, who has been away from coaching duties since leaving Liverpool 18 months ago, had been in charge of the Red Bull project as the Head of Global Soccer, and is set to activate his break clause in his contract, allowing him to take the Germany role.

Nagelsmann, despite topping Group E with six points from three matches, failed to guide Die Mannschaft, crashing out of the tournament to Paraguay last Monday on penalties.

Read more: Reece James doubtful for remaining World Cup matches

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the 59-year-old has agreed to return to the dugout and accepted to replace Nagelsmann as the next Germany head coach on a long-term contract.

Nagelsmann had been expected to remain in charge until after Euro 2028 and made it clear he didn’t want to resign in his post-Paraguay press conference, saying he was “available” for the next tournament.

However, after talks with the German Football Federation, which made it clear to Nagelsmann that he should resign or face a sack, the ex-RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich boss resigned.

Klopp, who has been working at the World Cup as a pundit, then emerged as the leading candidate for the role, more than two years after leaving Liverpool in his last managerial position.

The German tactician was linked with the Real Madrid role before Jose Mourinho’s emotional return to the Spanish capital.

Meanwhile, Klopp admitted in an interview earlier this week that the timing is “not perfect”, he is “recharged” and ready to take the Germany job following Nagelsmann’s resignation.

He told Magenta: “Yes, Julian resigned, and the DFB is working on a succession plan and over the course of these deliberations, they have reached out to me.

“The timing, even now, is not perfect because I am currently under contract with Red Bull, but it is still better than it has ever been. When I stopped at Liverpool, I lacked the energy for even one more year with the club, and I’m more than recharged now.”

The German had spent eight-and-a-half successful years at Anfield, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup twice during his time in charge.

Read more: Roberto Martinez to leave Portugal after World Cup