The German Football Association (DFB) is reportedly seeking discussions with Jurgen Klopp regarding the men’s national team coaching position. This development follows the resignation of Julian Nagelsmann, who stepped down from his role after Germany‘s early exit from the World Cup.
Nagelsmann‘s departure was confirmed on Friday, just four days after Germany was eliminated from the tournament in the last 32 following a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay. The DFB granted his request to be relieved of his duties, terminating his contract which was initially set to run until 2028.
Nagelsmann’s tenure and World Cup exit
Julian Nagelsmann, who is 38 years old, took charge of Germany in September 2023. His initial contract was until after Euro 2024, later extended to include this year’s World Cup and then Euro 2028. During his tenure, Germany reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 as hosts, where they were defeated in extra time by eventual winners Spain.
The recent World Cup campaign saw Germany top Group E on goal difference after a 7-1 victory over Curacao and a 2-1 win against Ivory Coast, despite a 2-1 loss to Ecuador. However, their journey ended in the last 32 with a 1-1 draw against Paraguay in Boston, followed by a defeat on penalties.
Following the elimination, Nagelsmann initially expressed a desire to continue, stating, “I’m not someone who runs away.” However, after reflection and consultations, he decided a fresh start was necessary for the team. In a statement, he expressed that the decision was difficult and that his priority had always been the team’s success.
Rudi Voller, the DFB’s sporting director, acknowledged Nagelsmann‘s decision, stating it deserved respect as the coach took responsibility. He also affirmed that Nagelsmann remains an excellent coach.
This early exit marks another disappointing World Cup performance for Germany, who have not won a knockout game in the tournament since their championship victory in 2014. They failed to advance past the group stage in both 2018 and 2022 under previous coaches.
DFB president Bernd Neuendorf confirmed discussions with Nagelsmann, Voller, and DFB managing director Andreas Rettig, concluding that Germany‘s performance did not meet their standards. He indicated that the association would take time to discuss the reasons behind the team’s inability to perform to their potential.
Klopp’s potential return to coaching
The DFB has indicated that it will now seek talks with Jurgen Klopp, who has reportedly signalled a general willingness to consider the position. Klopp, 59, stepped down from his role at Liverpool in 2024 after leading the club to seven major honours, including the Premier League title in 2019-20 and the Champions League in 2019.
Since leaving Liverpool, Klopp became Red Bull‘s head of global football in January 2025. Reports suggest his contract with Red Bull Group includes a special exit clause that would allow him to take on the Germany job. He has been working as a pundit for German television during the World Cup, and his presence had already generated speculation about his potential return to coaching.
In January 2024, when Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool, he cited a lack of energy. Having had time away from the daily demands of club management, it appears the former Borussia Dortmund and Mainz boss might be ready to return to the international coaching arena. The DFB confirmed on Friday that Klopp is “fundamentally willing” to take over as Germany coach.
Nagelsmann‘s resignation came after a three-hour meeting at DFB headquarters in Frankfurt to discuss his future. Reports suggest he was offered a severance package to cut short his contract, which was set to expire in 2028. Nagelsmann also apologised to Germany‘s fans for the early exit, expressing his sorrow and hurt at disappointing them.
Germany captain Joshua Kimmich stated that the team must take responsibility for their early exit. This sentiment was echoed by DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, who emphasised that the association cannot simply move on “as if nothing has happened” after such a significant setback.
The DFB’s statement confirmed that discussions with Klopp, the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager, would commence, while also thanking Nagelsmann for his nearly three-year stint.
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Source: bbc.com
