Klopp warns press to leave family alone or resign without compensation in first Germany press conference

Jürgen Klopp's first press conference generated as much enthusiasm as doubt about the flamboyant German coach's ability to turn around a struggling national team.

By Aurélien Léger-Moëc

• 07/24 - 4:30 PM
• 2 min. read

"If you don't leave my family alone, I'll leave too."

This statement by Jürgen Klopp made waves in the European press this Friday afternoon, particularly in England — the adopted country of the new German national coach after his celebrated years at Liverpool.

• "Klopp threatens to leave on his first day," marveled the Daily Telegraph.
• "Klopp already waves the threat of departure," noted the Daily Mail.

This outburst was the most highlighted element of a broader statement about his appointment and the atmosphere surrounding the German national team.

"I'm not doing this for myself. I'm 59 years old, I'm not a blank slate. (...) Of course, it's about playing better football with the players we have. But I repeat: I'm not doing this against you, but for you. And you don't have to thank me. I said it, it's a huge honor. I am very well paid for it. But the day you no longer want me, you'll say it and I'll leave. Without compensation. If tomorrow you say I'm useless, I'll leave. If the DFB says we can't go on like this, I'll leave. If you misbehave and don't leave my family alone, I'll leave. To be clear: I'm taking this job even though I saw how Julian Nagelsmann was treated. I'm doing it even though I saw how England treated Tuchel – in a situation where only sporting success matters."

Germany is Convinced

One thing is certain: his press conference is causing a stir.

• "Energetic and unfiltered: you want Klopp, you get him!" noted Kicker.
• Henning Feindt, sports editor for Bild, assured: "This is going to be a huge success."

Will Klopp manage to change everything? Some doubt it, including the BBC:

"Messiah or just a change of facade? Klopp must convince skeptics during the reconstruction of German football. After their brutal elimination against Paraguay in the World Cup, German football is going through a deep identity crisis. Three weeks later, Klopp is tasked with picking up the pieces and restoring the country's legendary competitive spirit."

It was also the style that caught attention during his first press conference.

"He seemed a bit disoriented, there was no common thread in his remarks. He spoke much too fast. The beginning was particularly confusing, with that long monologue, where he warned the press not to bother his family, even before the first question," mentioned Lukas Hörster, journalist for Fussball Transfers.

This raises the question of his real ability to put Germany back among the best nations in the world. Will Klopp and his energy be just a smokescreen?

Published on: 07/24/2026 4:30 PM Updated on: 07/24/2026 4:31 PM

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