Jurgen Klopp has reiterated that he is not in contention to take over from Joachim Low as Germany manager, and has outlined his plan to take a year off when his time at Liverpool comes to an end.
Klopp has been heavily linked with the German national team job since it was announced that Low would vacate the role after this summer's European Championships.
Speaking to Bild, Klopp said that it is not a case that he does not want to manage Germany, but that he has a contract he wishes to respect at Liverpool.
"I'm sorry that we can’t keep it simmering a little longer," he joked.
"The important thing is, I didn’t say that I didn’t want to become a national coach, but that I cannot. That’s a huge difference.
"This is my sixth year at Liverpool, and I’ve built an incredible relationship here with people I work with on a daily basis.
"We rely on each other. Right now, in such a difficult phase, to say from my side: I’ll be gone then? That will not do."
Klopp opened the door to potentially managing Germany in the future but said that now is not the right time, especially with Liverpool enduring some poor form in the Premier League.
He said: "I am full of energy, even when friends text me: ‘Are you okay? You look bad!’ I’ve just gotten older and haven’t seen the sun for a year, and I don’t sleep much.
"That’s why I look bad. And not because we have six home defeats in a row. I want to sort this out with the boys and girls who work with me.
"And there is no way to say: ‘Oh, national coach, that would be an interesting job.’ That would be a great honour without question, but the timing is not right.
"I can’t. I am very sorry if I’ve let people down with it, but I can’t just step out of my responsibilities."
Any hopes the German FA had of convincing Klopp to take over the national side as soon as he departs Anfield appear to be misguided, too, with the 53-year-old outlining his desire to have a prolonged rest when he does finally leave Liverpool.
He said: "When Liverpool ends, there will definitely be a year off.
"Nobody needs to call, not after four months and not after six either. No matter who tries it: it's a year shift."
