Watzke Says Klopp Deal Is "Definitely Not Off the Table," But Open Issues Remain

Watzke also addressed the financial dimension of the negotiations. "Wir haben natürlich unsere Schmerzgrenze," he said, signalling that the DFB has internal limits on what it can offer. With a hint of humour, he added: "Einen leichten Patriotismus-Abschlag, den erwarten wir dann oder ich speziell vom Jürgen auch," suggesting he expects Klopp to accept a modest financial discount out of patriotic feeling. Earlier reporting cited by Sky Sport indicates that key items on the negotiating table scheduled for Friday or Saturday include contract length, salary, sponsorship arrangements, and the degree of authority Klopp would hold within the DFB.

Money and Authority

The 67-year-old Watzke, who is also the long-time chief executive of Borussia Dortmund and chairman of the Bundesliga's supervisory board, referred to the effort as "Masterplan A," a plan the DFB intends to push through. He was careful, however, to set expectations about Klopp's level of control. "Jürgen Klopp würde niemals une carte blanche fordern," Watzke said, ruling out the possibility of unconditional authority. "Wir müssen erst mal klären, wie weit er denn überhaupt auch in die Strukturen mit eingreifen will," he noted, adding that many questions would have to be answered in face-to-face talks.

On style of play, Watzke said the 59-year-old Klopp would bring a clear shift in mentality. "Es wird wohl etwas körperbetonter, etwas intensiver, etwas rustikaler wieder zugehen," he predicted, suggesting a return to a more physical, intense and robust approach. He also praised Klopp's coaching qualities directly: "Jürgen macht Spieler besser, definitiv." The DFB is reportedly looking to involve Klopp not just in team matters but also in structural reforms.

Red Bull Talks Ahead

Several sources indicate that the initial talks between Klopp and the DFB leadership are planned for the same week as this article's publication, with both sides expected to arrive in New York on Thursday ahead of a possible negotiation window. It is considered possible that Klopp would forgo a few million euros from his current Red Bull salary — reported at roughly 10 million euros per year as Head of Global Soccer — to take the national team role.

Only after the initial negotiation with Klopp is concluded successfully will the DFB approach Klopp's current employer. Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff is expected to demand a high compensation fee for releasing Klopp from his contract, which runs until 2029. Mintzlaff is also said to be travelling to New York the following week and could attend the World Cup final in the stadium. Watzke was clear, however, that Klopp's desire to discuss the job is already a positive signal. "Die Bereitschaft von Jürgen, sich mit dem Thema auseinanderzusetzen, hilft schon mal deutlich," he said.

Voices from Abroad

The wider context is Germany's disappointing early exit from the 2026 World Cup. After the team was eliminated in the round of 16, head coach Julian Nagelsmann stepped down from the role. Nagelsmann's predecessor in turn had been Rudi Völler, whose position Watzke was careful not to clarify fully, though he did say: "Ich würde gerne mit Rudi weitermachen."

Beyond the DFB's internal planning, voices from abroad have joined the chorus in favour of a Klopp appointment. Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger told a TikTok live show hosted by world champion Toni Kroos that "Gute Spieler brauchen einen großartigen Trainer" and called Klopp a coach who "macht Spieler besser, definitiv." Former Germany head coach Berti Vogts has argued that Matthias Sammer would be an ideal complement to Klopp on the bench.

Watzke also left the door open to broader change. He acknowledged that a coach alone cannot solve every problem and that structural reforms at the DFB will need time. "Probleme sind auch dazu da, dass man sie löst," he said, insisting that the coming weeks will determine whether "Masterplan A" can become reality.