Jurgen Klopp to reunite with former Liverpool coaches in Germany job
Jurgen Klopp is expected to appoint former Liverpool assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz to his backroom team after agreeing to become the new head coach of the German national side.
The former Anfield manager is preparing for his first foray into international football and is eager to surround himself with familiar faces.
Reports in Germany suggest the 59-year-old has already finalised his ideal coaching setup ahead of an official unveiling by the national football association.
Trusted allies return to the fold
Both Lijnders and Krawietz worked intimately alongside the Stuttgart-born tactician during his highly successful tenure on Merseyside.
Krawietz remained a key part of the coaching staff until Klopp’s emotional departure at the end of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign.
Lijnders subsequently pursued a career as a primary manager, embarking on a stint in charge of Austrian outfit Red Bull Salzburg.
The Dutchman then secured an assistant role under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, a surprising move that his former mentor actively encouraged.
When I spoke with Jurgen he was so clear: ‘If you don’t do it, I will take the assistant job.’
A bond built on mutual trust
Speaking previously about their working relationship, Lijnders highlighted the profound professional and personal bond he shared with the two-time Bundesliga-winning manager.
I believe you need 100 per cent trust in this job because we have to make so many decisions on a daily basis.
The highly-rated coach also praised his colleague’s unique approach to man-management, tactical innovation and lack of ego.
Jurgen is a true leader. He is inspirational and motivational, and he still surprises me every day with something he says.
Building the national team setup
The incoming head coach is widely respected for cultivating strong, unified environments with both his backroom staff and playing squad.
Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender is also expected to be named as part of the newly restructured coaching department.
The immediate focus for the reshaped management team will be preparing the four-time World Cup winners for their upcoming international fixtures.