The appointment follows Germany's disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they were beaten by Paraguay on penalties in the Round of 32. Julian Nagelsmann left the role soon afterwards, paving the way for Klopp's arrival.

The 59-year-old returns to coaching after a two-year break. Since leaving Liverpool in 2024, he has worked as Red Bull's global sporting director, but he will now take charge of a national team for the first time in his career.

Klopp built his reputation with Mainz and Borussia Dortmund before enjoying a hugely successful nine-year spell at Liverpool, where he guided the club to the UEFA Champions League title in 2019 and the Premier League crown in 2020.

German Football Association president Bernd Neuendorf said Klopp had always been the federation's preferred choice.

"From the very beginning, this was our dream solution," Neuendorf said. "Personal talks with him convinced us that he is the right person for the job."

Germany have struggled to match the success of their 2014 World Cup triumph. They failed to progress beyond the group stage in both 2018 and 2022 before their early knockout exit at the 2026 tournament.

Speaking at his unveiling, Klopp described the appointment as one of the proudest moments of his career.

"Knowing where I come from, it was unimaginable for me that it would ever come to this. It's a very special day for me," he said.

Klopp stressed that he wants to build more than just a team on the pitch.

"As a coaching team, we want to present a complete package. I've never been a coach who just shows up, puts the players through their paces, and then goes home when training is over.

"I've always taken care of things that happen at the club. Now it's a federation, now it's a country. I feel a responsibility to everyone who's a football fan in this country."

The former Liverpool boss also urged supporters to judge Germany by their own progress rather than comparing themselves with the world's leading nations.

"When we ask in Germany: are we as good as France? The answer is no," Klopp said.

"But we still can beat them. It's not important to look at France, Spain or Argentina. We must look at ourselves and how we play football. We aren't number one in the world at the moment, but we have to make beating the best possible with the way we play."

Klopp also made it clear he accepts the pressure that comes with leading the four-time world champions.

"The day you don't want me anymore, I'm gone - without any severance pay," he said.

"If the DFB says he's rubbish, I'm gone. Criticise me if something doesn't work. I'm happy to work on it. It's all about the job.

"Jurgen Klopp doesn't have a career after the national team. Ideally, this is the highlight of my career."

Steve Barker in awe of current Stellenbosch squad