Klopp takes Germany job, dashing Alexander-Arnold's England reunion hopes

Trent Alexander-Arnold's England Career Stalls Under Thomas Tuchel

Sport | Fasika Zelealem, Senior Sports Reporter 08:00, 26 Jul 2026 | View 3 Images

Trent Alexander-Arnold's dream of reuniting with Jurgen Klopp on the international stage has been shattered after the former Liverpool boss became the new Germany manager.

Klopp, 59, has returned to management with the German national team in his first coaching role since departing Anfield in the summer of 2024.

The Real Madrid defender spent his entire professional career at Liverpool under Klopp and had previously admitted his desire to play under him again — this time for England.

Speaking after Gareth Southgate stepped down as Three Lions boss following England's Euro 2024 final defeat, Alexander-Arnold was asked about the prospect of Klopp replacing him.

"I enjoyed every moment I worked with him, we shared amazing memories, forged an amazing relationship, an amazing bond. So of course if that were to happen, we would pick up where we left off."

Klopp made the shock decision to leave Liverpool due to a lack of energy. At the time, Alexander-Arnold admitted he would have been surprised if Klopp took the England role just two months after leaving Merseyside.

"I would be surprised if he did take it. It was clear when he announced when he was leaving, the conversations I have had with him, everything on social media, he seems to be enjoying his time off, so it would be a huge surprise."

Klopp's First Press Conference as Germany Boss

Klopp's first press conference as Germany manager on Friday started with a strong statement. He issued an ultimatum to the German press, threatening to quit if they do not leave his family alone.

"Now is the time where I'm really in the middle of the media focus. I was surprised, not negatively or positively surprised, at how fast news spread. And it's sometimes hard for people to just think 'let's turn a blind eye to things' and not to divulge any information.

"Sometimes that is the right thing to do, not to publish things that happened. I know full well this is job number one for me. It is my mission to make the national squad better and to hope the pool for me to choose from is bigger.

"But it is not something I will do against you, but I'm doing it for you. It is an honour. I will be remunerated very graciously and if tomorrow it's 'Jurgen Klopp is s***', then I will be gone. But if the DFB (German FA) says 'Come on let us not continue the job' then that's it.

"And if you (the media) behave badly and don't let my family live in peace. I'll be gone and I'll just turn away. I know there are other countries where the national team head coaches are treated even worse. But I love this job, but I'm always ready to call it quits if need be.

"Jurgen Klopp is not going to have any 'career' after the national team, this is the absolute pinnacle of my footballing career as a coach. I will give everything I've got."

Alexander-Arnold's International Future in Question

The ex-Liverpool star's international career has stalled under Thomas Tuchel, who notably left him out of England's World Cup squad this summer.

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