Mainz 05 celebrates Jürgen Klopp's appointment as German national coach

Mainz – Mainz 05 is overjoyed for one of the club's greatest sons. Jürgen Klopp (59) is back in coaching and has been officially named the new national coach. On Friday, the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund coach was introduced as the successor to Julian Nagelsmann (39). The news has brought great joy to Mainz.

Klopp is regarded as one of the greatest coaches in German football history and simultaneously one of the most significant figures in Mainz's history. He played for FSV from 1990 to 2001, then took over as head coach from 2001 to 2008, leading Mainz to the Bundesliga for the first time in the club's history. His connection to Mainz remains strong to this day. It comes as no surprise that the club wholeheartedly wishes its former player and coach well in his new role. Following the German national team's disappointing World Cup exit, the people of Mainz hope Klopp will reunite German football.

Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel (63). Photo: Jürgen Kessler/dpa

"Can Change Germany"

Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel (63), who discovered Klopp as a coach and remains a close friend, congratulated him shortly after the official announcement on behalf of the entire club:

"Congratulations to Jürgen Klopp and Pete Krawietz, and best wishes from the bottom of our hearts for their new task. All of German football wishes them great success with the national team."

Krawietz, Klopp's assistant coach, previously worked as head scout in Mainz.

Heidel added:

"From Mainz, we'll be keeping our fingers crossed for both of them a little tighter, because they began their outstanding coaching careers with us and shaped the club from the ground up – and are still closely connected to the club. Once a Mainzer, always a Mainzer!"

Mainz striker Phillip Tietz (29) also expressed his excitement. After the 3-0 test match victory against Holstein Kiel on Saturday, he said:

"I've always thought very highly of Jürgen Klopp. I have a very good feeling that he can change Germany. We need to make it so that people become one with the national team again."

Mainz coach Urs Fischer (60). Photo: Torsten Silz/dpa

Current Mainz coach Urs Fischer (60) offered a characteristically diplomatic response to Klopp's return to the big stage:

"I think it's a good decision. But I thought it was good before too. We know how the business works. Let's see where it leads."

Klopp will have little time to settle in. His era as national coach begins on September 24 at 8:45 PM with a true classic: in the Nations League, the opening match pits Germany against none other than the Netherlands – in Amsterdam.