After the early World Cup exit, Jürgen Klopp takes over the German national team. He does not begin with tactics but with a picture of what football can be for a country.
On 24 July 2026, the DFB presented Jürgen Klopp in Frankfurt as national team coach. A few weeks earlier, the national team had been knocked out by Paraguay in the knockout round of the World Cup. Klopp used his first appearance to describe a goal that is bigger than the next match. It shows what vision means in leadership. An example of the Quality of Vision.
The perspective lines of a wide field converge on a golden point on the horizon, with a golden path of white dots leading there – like Klopp’s picture of a shared goal.
01
A picture that goes beyond the result
Situation
At his presentation, Klopp said: “Successful football can also change a country.” And on the role of the fans: “The power of football can bring people together.”
Link to the quality
A vision answers the question of what it is all for. Klopp does not talk about titles first, but about impact. That gives players, the association and the public a shared reason to make an effort.
02
The vision becomes tangible
Situation
Klopp immediately translated the big picture into behaviour: “Putting in more effort, more intensity on the pitch – that is certainly my plan.”
Link to the quality
A vision without a recognisable next step remains a wish. Those who lead must be able to say how you will notice in training tomorrow that the direction is right.
03
An invitation to everyone who wants in
Situation
“Today is a fresh start for everyone who is up for it.” Klopp spoke of a list of 57 outfield players who interest him. On 17 September he called up 44 players in two squads, among them several newcomers.
Link to the quality
A vision attracts people who fit it. Klopp makes attitude the selection criterion and opens the door wide. The Law of Magnetism also shows here: who you are determines who you attract.
04
The price of the vision
Situation
For the post, Klopp gave up his role at Red Bull. His contract runs for four years until the next World Cup. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf said: “The full focus is now on the task at the DFB.”
Link to the quality
People check whether the leader personally believes in the picture. Giving something up for it makes the vision credible.
05
Drawing boundaries to protect the vision
Situation
Klopp told the journalists openly under what conditions he would leave: “If you misbehave and don't leave my family in peace, then I'm gone.”
Link to the quality
A vision needs a framework in which it can grow. Whoever says clearly from the start what they will not go along with protects the cause and themselves.
Key takeaways
Key lessons
01
Begin with the why. People follow a picture before they follow a plan.
02
Translate your vision into behaviour that is visible tomorrow.
03
Invite instead of decreeing. Those who feel addressed come of their own accord.
04
Show what the vision is worth to you.
05
Name early the conditions under which you can lead.
Summary
Klopp takes over a disappointed team and first gives it a direction. His opening shows the components of a sound vision: a goal that is bigger than one's own success, a clear first step and an invitation to everyone who wants to come along. Whether the picture holds will be decided on the pitch. A start has been made: the first match ended on 24 September with a draw in the Netherlands.
