BERLIN, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Jurgen Klopp and German Football Association (DFB) officials have reached an understanding on key elements of a possible contract for him to become Germany coach after opening direct negotiations in New York, the DFB confirmed on Saturday.
DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke met Klopp and his adviser Marc Kosicke on Friday in a conference room at the TWA Hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The meeting lasted more than four hours and marked the first direct talks between the former Liverpool coach and the German football governing body over succeeding Julian Nagelsmann.
"It was a first intensive discussion," the DFB said in a statement, describing the exchange as constructive.
"An understanding was reached on key points of a potential contract," the federation added.
Negotiations are due to continue next week, with both sides confident that an agreement can ultimately be completed, subject to Klopp securing a release from his current employer Red Bull.
Klopp is under contract with Red Bull until 2029, meaning the company's approval is still required before he can take charge of the national team. Red Bull chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff is expected to become involved in the next stage of discussions after planning to travel to the United States at the start of the World Cup final week.
Klopp is expected to sign a contract running until 2030 after returning to Germany, while his long-time assistants Peter Krawietz and Pepijn Lijnders are also set to join him at the DFB.
Klopp also wants to contribute to structural matters within the DFB. Any final contract must be approved at a joint meeting of the supervisory board and shareholders' assembly of DFB.
Watzke, who worked closely with Klopp during their successful years together at Borussia Dortmund, had expressed confidence before the meeting. "I know that Jurgen loves Germany," Watzke said.
Klopp remains in the United States as a television expert for the rest of the World Cup. ■
