Jurgen Klopp insists he is still open to managing Germany one day despite ruling out taking over them in the summer.
The Liverpool manager has been linked with succeeding Joachim Low when the 61-year-old's 15-year reign comes to an end after Euro 2021.
While Klopp has a contract at Anfield until 2024, there was speculation he could be tempted to cut short his time on Merseyside to take charge of his country.
Those rumours were swiftly put to bed by Klopp, while his agent Marc Kosicke has also had his say on the matter.
Now Klopp has moved to clarify his stance, telling Sport Bild (via Sport Witness ) : "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.
“There is a very clear commitment. I have an important role here at Liverpool.
“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 would be the obvious choice to take up the helm at international level when Low steps aside were club commitments not part of the equation.
The likes of Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick and RB Leipzig's Julien Nagelsmann are also involved in the conversation, though the strong favourite is now Germany under-21 boss and former player Stefan Kuntz.
Who should succeed Low as Germany boss? Have your say below.
There would almost certainly be an opportunity for Klopp to fulfil the role at another point somewhere further down the road however, and with three years still left to run on his deal at Liverpool, he is in no rush to call time on his current project.
“There is no way to say, ‘oh, national coach, that would be an interesting job’," he added. “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."
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