SerpApi.Org
Jurgen Klopp has been handed an early problem ahead of his expected unveiling as Germany’s new manager.
Klopp confirmed during the World Cup final that an agreement had been reached for him to become Germany’s next head coach, with only the final formalities remaining before an official announcement of his return to management.
The former Liverpool boss is expected to sign a four-year contract with the German Football Association (DFB), which would see him lead the national team through the 2028 European Championship and the 2030 World Cup. Klopp will have a significant task on his hands when he officially takes charge as he aims to return Germany to the top of international football.
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Many expected the 2014 World Cup winners to mount a deep run in the tournament. Germany made a flying start with a 7-1 victory over Curacao, but its momentum quickly faded after a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in their final group-stage match.
DFB's struggles continued in the knockout stages, as it was held to a 1-1 draw by Paraguay in the round of 32 before suffering a historic penalty shootout defeat — their first ever in a World Cup.
As a result of the disappointing campaign, Germany has dropped out of FIFA’s top ten world rankings following its disappointing World Cup exit. The DFB side entered the tournament ranked 10th in the world but has since slipped two places to 12th.
Portugal has also suffered a setback in the rankings after Cristiano Ronaldo’s side was knocked out in the last 16 by eventual champions Spain, falling from fifth to seventh. Spain’s triumph has seen them rise to the top of the world rankings, overtaking Argentina after beating the reigning champions 1-0 in the final.
The European champions were rewarded for an unbeaten tournament campaign in which they conceded just one goal. Argentina has dropped to second, while France, England and Brazil remain among the world’s leading nations in the top five.
Ahead of the World Cup final, Klopp expected the deal to be finalized over the next few days. "Nothing has been finalized yet," Klopp said on Magenta TV of the German national team job. "But the talks have gone well, and everything is moving in the right direction. I've reached an agreement and an arrangement with Red Bull - a very, very generous one, if you like. So, practically speaking, nothing stands in the way anymore.
"We're not that far away from being able to make [an] announcement. When the time comes, we'll make the announcement ourselves — we don't need others constantly jumping the gun.
"It should happen within the next few days, ideally. After all, there are only around 60 days until the next international match. At some point, a decision has to be made, and it will be made."
