Matthäus: Klopp Has the Charisma to Manage Germany

Lothar Matthäus has backed Jürgen Klopp as a strong candidate to take over as Germany manager, saying the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund coach has the same charisma as Franz Beckenbauer.

Matthäus, Germany’s record international appearance holder, wrote in Bild on Wednesday that Beckenbauer and Klopp share “charisma and global appeal”. He added that charisma, authenticity, reliability and a clear vision — both personally and in football — are qualities Beckenbauer represented and Klopp does too.

Beckenbauer led Germany to the 1990 World Cup title, and Matthäus believes that kind of presence can matter on the national-team bench.

Klopp is expected to succeed Julian Nagelsmann and would arrive with a strong coaching record. He won titles with Dortmund and Liverpool, though he never played under Beckenbauer.