Jurgen Klopp Faces Simple Demand as Germany Boss: ‘Be Less Sh*t’ and Bring ‘Heavy Metal Football’

Jurgen Klopp has been given a straightforward mission as he steps into his role as manager of the Germany national team: to be “less sh*t.” Former Germany defender Robert Huth shared with GOAL that Klopp, who previously managed Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, is expected to inject “heavy metal football” into the international stage while targeting success at the European Championship and World Cup.

From Liverpool Legend to National Team Leader

Klopp ended his notable nine-year tenure at Liverpool in the summer of 2024. During that period, he secured both Premier League and Champions League trophies for the club. After choosing to cut his contract short, Klopp took up a role with Red Bull as Head of Global Football, gaining more family time and stepping away from the pressures of matchday decisions and transfers.

Back to the Dugout with Die Mannschaft

The lure of coaching was too strong to resist, especially for someone whose life has revolved around the training ground. Despite links to other big jobs, including Real Madrid, Klopp accepted the challenge after watching Julian Nagelsmann's disappointing exit at the 2026 World Cup. At 59, Klopp signed a contract lasting until the 2030 World Cup, ready to reintroduce his unique management style on the international scene.

Expectations and Early Impressions

When asked about the expectations for Klopp, ex-Germany international Robert Huth told GOAL via SportsbookReview.com: “Be less sh*t! The bar isn’t very high, I think, at the moment.”Huth explained that Klopp’s appointment has already sparked unity within the team and nation, even before a single game has been played. Fans and players alike seemed to welcome him as the figure they wished had come a decade earlier.

Huth reflected on Klopp’s first press conference, saying it was refreshingly honest and motivational, with no unnecessary rhetoric. Klopp emphasized hard work and passion, making it clear that representing Germany means fighting harder and running more.

“If you want to play for Germany, you’re going to have to run a bit harder, you’re going to have to fight harder, this is going to mean a bit more when you put the badge on.”

Klopp avoided criticizing previous managers, instead focusing on what the team needs to do better compared to other successful football nations like France, England, Brazil, and Argentina.

Huth believes the Bundesliga clubs have responded well to Klopp’s approach, noting his active presence at pre-season and club games. He expects Germany to show clear improvement in upcoming tournaments, not necessarily guaranteeing victory but promising full commitment.

“We’ve been sh*t since 2014 so a semi-final would be all right. But if Germany can replicate any kind of Liverpool’s and Dortmund’s intensity, pace, energy, spirit, I’m getting excited! If they can do it, that would be heavy metal football!”

Upcoming Fixtures and Future Goals

Klopp’s first match as Germany’s coach will be against the Netherlands on Thursday in the UEFA Nations League, taking place at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. His debut home game follows on Sunday against Greece at Augsburg’s WWK Arena.

Euro 2028 qualification begins in March 2027. Germany’s best recent performance in major tournaments has been reaching the quarter-finals, including their last five appearances. Klopp’s arrival raises hopes of going further in the upcoming European Championship and ultimately at the 2030 World Cup.

• UEFA Nations League opener: Netherlands vs Germany, 24 Sept 2026, 21:45