Julian Nagelsmann resigns as Germany coach after World Cup exit. DFB eyes Jurgen Klopp for talks. Germany faced a historic penalty shootout loss.
Nagelsmann’s departure and Germany’s World Cup exit
Julian Nagelsmann has resigned from his position as head coach of the Germany men’s national team following their early exit from the World Cup. The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed his resignation on Friday, four days after the team was knocked out by Paraguay in the round of 32. This defeat, which occurred after a 1-1 draw and a penalty shootout, marked Germany‘s first-ever penalty shootout loss at a FIFA World Cup.
Nagelsmann‘s request to be relieved of his duties came on Thursday. The DFB granted this request and terminated their contractual relationship with the 38-year-old former Bayern Munich boss. This early departure from the tournament signifies Germany‘s third consecutive World Cup campaign ending before the round of 16, following similar outcomes in 2018 and 2022.
Initially, Nagelsmann had expressed his determination to remain in charge, stating after the match against Paraguay, “I’m not someone who runs away.” However, after reflection and consultation with trusted individuals, he decided to step down. He stated that his top priority has always been the team’s success and that after such a bitter disappointment, the team deserves a fresh start.
The DFB president, Bernd Neuendorf, acknowledged Nagelsmann‘s commitment and ambition, stating that the decision deserved respect as he was taking responsibility. Neuendorf also mentioned that the team’s performance at the World Cup did not meet their standards and that discussions would take place to understand why the team failed to live up to expectations.
Klopp emerges as a potential successor
Following Nagelsmann‘s resignation, the DFB has announced its intention to seek talks with Jurgen Klopp regarding the vacant head coach position. The DFB stated that Klopp has already indicated a general willingness to consider taking on the role. Klopp, who previously managed Liverpool for nine years, stepped down from that role in 2024 and became Red Bull‘s head of global football in January 2025.
During his time at Anfield, Klopp led Liverpool to seven major honours, including the Premier League title in 2019-20 and the Champions League in 2019. Despite being linked with a return to club management, most notably with Real Madrid in March, Klopp dismissed these reports as “nonsense.”
Klopp‘s presence at the World Cup, where he worked as a pundit for German television, had already drawn attention. Before Germany‘s opening game, he discussed preferred line-ups with former Germany striker Thomas Muller, making a comment that hinted at his potential future involvement with the national team. He later apologised for the remark, explaining it was a slip of the tongue.
Having taken time away from the daily demands of managing a top-flight club, it appears the former Borussia Dortmund and Mainz boss may be ready to return to coaching in the international arena. The DFB’s confirmation of his willingness to consider the role suggests a significant development in the search for Nagelsmann‘s replacement.
Team performance and tactical concerns
Germany‘s performance in the World Cup has been a subject of scrutiny. The team had topped their group after victories against Curacao and Ivory Coast but showed an unconvincing display in their defeat to Ecuador in the final group-stage match. The subsequent loss to Paraguay on penalties led to their elimination from the tournament.
Tactical decisions made by Nagelsmann also drew criticism. These included playing captain Joshua Kimmich as a right-back instead of his usual midfield role, bringing Galatasaray winger Leroy Sane back into the starting line-up, and recalling 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer despite Oliver Baumann having played in all six World Cup qualifiers.
This was Nagelsmann‘s second major tournament with Germany, having previously led the team to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals as hosts, where they lost to eventual winners Spain in extra time. Germany has not won a World Cup knockout game since being crowned champions in 2014.
The DFB’s sporting director, Rudi Voller, acknowledged the disappointing World Cup exit and respected Nagelsmann‘s decision to take responsibility. He added that while a different outcome was desired, Nagelsmann remains an excellent coach. The DFB will now proceed with talks with Jurgen Klopp.
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Source: bbc.com
