The German Football Association (DFB) has a new center of power, which is embodied by one person and around whom everything has revolved since he took office on August 15, 2026: Jürgen Klopp, the new national coach. The 59-year-old has a circle of close associates about whom he says: "I've found that I'm really, really good at putting together a coaching staff. I'm very happy with my team. It feels absolutely right and absolutely natural. It feels like home."
These are the men in Klopp's cosmos.
Marc Kosicke: Until now, the 55-year-old was the one who pulled the strings for Klopp in the background. Football fans probably unconsciously associate his face with a commercial in which he can be seen together with the new “Bundes Kloppo”. From now on, one of Klopp's best friends will be much more present in public as his assistant coach for “strategy, development and innovation”. Kosicke is considered to be the inventor of the coaching advisor. And he also brought FC Bayern’s legendary “Mia-san-mia” motto to life. Klopp and Kosicke have known each other for over 20 years - they have been working together since 2006. Kosicke sits in the stands during games.
Peter “Piet” Krawietz: The 54-year-old was already one of Klopp’s closest confidants during his stints in Mainz (as a scout), Dortmund and Liverpool (both assistant coaches). At Klopp's international debut last Thursday in Amsterdam, he sat on his right side and was always with him during the warm-up. Klopp once said of his friend: "What this man sees on the football pitch is remarkable. I don't know how he does it, but that's a talent."
Pepijn Lijnders: The 45-year-old Dutchman was already Klopp's assistant at Liverpool. After his departure in 2024, he briefly coached Red Bull Salzburg and most recently worked as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Before he started working for the DFB, the native Dutchman visited a monastery for a week to deepen his knowledge of German.
Sven Bender: Klopp's former mentality monster celebrated his greatest sporting successes with him. Under Klopp's direction, Bender became champions with Borussia Dortmund in 2011 and 2012 - and also won the DFB Cup in 2012. Bender is also considered a machine that drives tirelessly in his assistant coach role. Because he threw himself and his body into duels during his playing days, Klopp once gave him the nickname “Iron Manni”.
Rudi Völler: The world champion has been on board as sports director since February 2023. After the disastrous World Cup exit, it was initially unclear whether he would stay. But Klopp convinced him to stay in a phone call. The 66-year-old takes part in team speeches and training sessions. At games he sits in the stands – and on the team bus right next to Klopp. Both already have a trusting relationship.
Andreas Kronenberg, Stefan Wessels: The goalkeeping coaches enjoy Klopp’s full trust. The national coach recently told RTL: "I haven't had so many crazy goalkeeper coaches in my life. Three clubs, three goalkeeper coaches. ... We had a very trusting collaboration very, very quickly. Krone (Kronenberg - d. R.) has an incredible view of the goalkeepers. He has an eye on all of them. Right down to the lowest leagues. He created a file on every goalkeeper. I knew Stefan as a player, of course, but not as a coach. He fits in really well in the team They also have a social streak. It’s just fun to talk to them. They have an amazing view of life that always enriches yours a little bit.”
