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Klopp attacks media and makes quit threat in first Germany press conference

Published 12:17 24 Jul 2026 BST

Updated 12:18 24 Jul 2026 BST

Sammi Minion
Klopp attacks media and makes quit threat in first Germany press conference

Homesport

Pure chaos

Jurgen Klopp has just given an explosive first press conference as head coach for the German national team.

The beloved former Liverpool manager was announced as Die Manschaaft's replacement for Julien Nageslman on Friday, after weeks of reports he was due to take on the vacancy, and years of rumours Klopp was keen on the role.

Faced with the near impossible task of transforming a team that were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup by relative minnows Paraguay, Klopp has just two years to bring Germany to a competitive level ahead of EURO 2028.

Even before the 2026 World Cup, the four time world champions had failed to seriously impress at any major tournament since the 2014 edition, leaving Klopp with a serious task on his hands.

Over the years since the glory of 2014, immense pressure has been placed on the German national team to succeed by large sections of the country's media.

This subject was front and centre during Klopp's first press conference, with the 59-year-old aiming a series of comments in the direction of the German media industry.

He said: “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.

"I’m taking it even though I’ve seen how you’ve treated Thomas Tuchel.

"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.”

Most attention has been drawn to that line: "If you go after my family, I’m gone," with it clear Klopp is prepared to quit the Germany role, one he seemingly had worked towards for years should media attention become too intense.

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