Jurgen Klopp started his reign as Germany's head coach by threatening to quit if the media invades his family's privacy. The former Liverpool manager was appointed on a four-year deal on Friday to replace Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned this month after Germany's shock World Cup defeat by Paraguay in the last 32.
But the 59-year-old issued a warning to the media as he held his first news conference as Germany's head coach. "If you behave badly and don't leave my family in peace then I'll be gone, I'll just turn away," Klopp said. "I know there are other countries where national team coaches are treated even worse. "I'm not doing this job for myself, I'm doing it for you. I'm taking this job even though I've seen how you've treated Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel. "I love this job but I am always ready to call it quits if need be."
Both Nagelsmann and England boss Tuchel came under media scrutiny after their exits from the World Cup, with Tuchel criticised for his defensive tactics and substitutions as the Three Lions let slip a 1-0 lead in their semi-final defeat by Argentina. The direct address to the press comes after his predecessor Julian Nagelsmann faced intense scrutiny and criticism from media and former members of the national team, intruding into his private life while in the role. “The day you don’t want me anymore, you say so,” Klopp said. “And I’m gone. Without severance pay. 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.”
Klopp outlined his conditions for staying in the role to the media, saying if they “don’t want me anymore” or “don’t leave my family in peace” he will be “gone”. ‘If you go after my family, I’m gone. If you think I’m rubbish, tell me to my face and I’ll leave immediately, without asking for any compensation.
Klopp's appointment was widely expected for weeks and his contract will see him through to the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Klopp’s national team ambitions were well known during the World Cup and his contract with Red Bull included a special exit clause designed specifically so that he could take on the Germany job should it become available.