Klopp set to take Dutch ally Lijnders to Germany as Die Mannschaft reshuffle looms

The German Football Association (DFB) is preparing to appoint Jürgen Klopp as head coach of Die Mannschaft, with Pepijn Lijnders expected to join as his assistant. According to reports, Klopp’s appointment is imminent after the DFB identified him as the ideal successor to Julian Nagelsmann, who was dismissed following Germany’s World Cup elimination.

Negotiations are set to resume this weekend, with Klopp aiming to finalise terms quickly. If talks progress as planned, an announcement could follow shortly. The DFB’s decision comes after a dramatic World Cup exit left Die Mannschaft in need of a reset.

Klopp, currently working as a World Cup analyst for German streaming service Magenta TV, has secured temporary leave to meet DFB officials in New York. His move to the national team follows speculation linking him to the vacant Netherlands manager role at the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB).

Pepijn Lijnders, who spent a year as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, is poised to reprise his close partnership with Klopp. The two share deep trust after their successful collaboration at Liverpool, where Lijnders served as Klopp’s right-hand man.

Alfred Schreuder, another Dutch coach, previously held an assistant role under Nagelsmann. His departure with Nagelsmann underscores the DFB’s willingness to bring in fresh leadership, including from abroad. Klopp’s potential appointment marks a significant shift for German football as it seeks to rebuild after recent setbacks.

The timing of Klopp’s move aligns with Germany’s need for stability. With World Cup disappointment fresh in memory, the DFB is prioritising a leader capable of restoring confidence in Die Mannschaft’s project.