For Germany, Klopp’s price is the final hurdle in a high-stakes race

Germany’s football association is all-in on Jürgen Klopp to lead Die Mannschaft, but Joachim Watzke admits an agreement is far from certain. The DFB vice-president confirmed the federation’s full commitment to appointing Klopp as the successor to Julian Nagelsmann, yet stressed that talks remain at an early stage.

Watzke, speaking to ZDF, described the pursuit as anything but a done deal. "It is certainly not a foregone conclusion," he said. "I estimate the chance of success at more than fifty percent."

The DFB’s preferred route, labelled ‘masterplan A’, involves direct discussions first with Klopp and his agent Marc Kosicke, followed by expected talks with Red Bull’s leadership. Central to the negotiations is the financial package, with Watzke acknowledging that the federation will need to dig deep to meet Klopp’s demands.

The German official also expressed hope for a patriotic discount from Klopp, a man who has managed both Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool. "We do have a limit," Watzke said. "And I honestly expect Jürgen to show some patriotic discount."

Beyond finances, personal sponsor agreements held by Klopp could clash with the DFB’s commercial partners. Watzke, however, believes such issues are resolvable. Should Klopp accept the role, the German team’s style would shift markedly, he predicted. "The play will become more physical, more intense, and more robust. Jürgen makes players better. Moreover, you want a team capable of turning games around even in the 90th minute."