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Jürgen Klopp Wants to Bring ‘Heavy Metal Football’ Back to Germany
Robert Huth believes the former Liverpool boss has the personality and philosophy to restore Germany’s intensity and competitive edge.
Jürgen Klopp has yet to take charge of his first game as Germany head coach, but his arrival has already changed the mood surrounding a national team desperate to return to the top. For former Germany international Robert Huth, Klopp’s first challenge can be summed up rather bluntly: “Be less sh*t.”
Huth’s provocative assessment reflects years of frustration at major tournaments. Germany crashed out in the group stage at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, reached the last 16 at Euro 2020, made the quarterfinals at Euro 2024 and suffered another disappointment with an early exit from the 2026 World Cup.
But Huth believes something has already shifted before Klopp has even coached a competitive minute. Speaking to GOAL, the former Leicester City defender said the appointment has restored excitement around Die Mannschaft, pointing in particular to the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager’s ability to connect with players and supporters.
Jürgen Klopp Returns to the Dugout for Germany
Klopp stepped down as Liverpool manager in 2024, bringing an iconic nine-year spell at Anfield to an end after winning major trophies including the Premier League and Champions League.
He later became Red Bull’s Head of Global Football, stepping away from the day-to-day pressures of coaching. Klopp was subsequently linked with several high-profile jobs, including Real Madrid, but it was ultimately his national team that convinced him to return to the dugout.
Following Germany’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign and Julian Nagelsmann’s departure, Klopp accepted the challenge and signed a contract running through the 2030 World Cup.
The ‘Heavy Metal Football’ Robert Huth Wants to See Again
Results are only part of what Huth wants Klopp to change. The former defender believes the new coach can give Germany a recognizable identity again.
Huth was particularly impressed by Klopp’s message during his first public appearances. Rather than dwelling on previous failures, the new Germany boss emphasized what representing the national team should demand from every player.
According to Huth, the message was simple: anyone who wants to represent Germany will have to “run a bit harder” and “fight harder.”
That inevitably brings back memories of the style that made Klopp one of Europe’s most distinctive coaches. Huth wants to see Germany reproduce some of the intensity, pace, energy and spirit that defined his Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool teams.
“If they can do it, that would be heavy metal football,” Huth said.
The former Germany international also tempered expectations of immediate silverware, pointing to the strength of nations such as France, England, Brazil and Argentina. His first demand is simpler: make Germany competitive again and ensure the players leave everything on the field.
The Netherlands Will Be Jürgen Klopp’s First Test
The talking will soon give way to competitive action. Klopp’s Germany tenure officially begins on Thursday with a demanding UEFA Nations League trip to face the Netherlands at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.
His first home game follows on Sunday against Greece at Augsburg’s WWK Arena.
Then comes the longer-term challenge. Qualification for Euro 2028 begins in March 2027, with Klopp tasked with taking Germany back into the decisive stages of major tournaments.
Huth is not demanding trophies immediately. After years of disappointment, however, he does want to recognize Germany again — pressing, fighting, playing with intensity and, perhaps most importantly, turning up the volume on Klopp’s famous “heavy metal football.”
Key Takeaways
- Robert Huth believes Jürgen Klopp has already restored excitement around the Germany national team.
- The former international wants Germany to embrace the intensity, pace and energy associated with Klopp’s “heavy metal football.”
- The Netherlands will be Klopp’s first competitive opponent before Germany hosts Greece.
