Jurgen Klopp has officially begun his tenure as Germany head coach by issuing a firm warning to the media, saying he will walk away from the role if his family's privacy is not respected.
The former Liverpool manager was unveiled on Friday after signing a four-year contract to replace Julian Nagelsmann, who stepped down following Germany's shock exit to Paraguay in the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup.
Speaking at his first press conference as Germany boss, Klopp made it clear that protecting his family remains non-negotiable.
"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 love this job but I am always ready to call it quits if need be."
Klopp's appointment had been widely anticipated in recent weeks, with his deal set to keep him in charge through to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
The 59-year-old described leading his country as the greatest achievement of his coaching career.
"Jurgen Klopp is not going to have any 'career' after the national team," he said.
"This is the pinnacle, the absolutely high point of my footballing career as coach. I will give everything I have got."
The Germany role marks Klopp's first coaching position since leaving Liverpool in the summer of 2024 after ending his successful nine-year spell at Anfield, citing that he had "run out of energy."
Now refreshed, Klopp believes the timing is perfect for his return and his first experience in international management.
"Over the last few days it was almost like a movie happening to myself," he said.
"I have always surmised the job of Germany head coach is really big, but now it is really dawning on me what being the national team head coach is all about."
"For many, many years it was unimaginable for me to assume this position. As the years went by, it became more or less evident that sooner or later I would be asked to do this job."
"Now I think the time is right."
Klopp's first match in charge of Germany will come on 24 September, when his side face the Netherlands in a UEFA Nations League group-stage fixture.
The highly anticipated debut marks the beginning of a new era for German football as Klopp looks to rebuild the national team following its disappointing World Cup campaign.
