Germany Turn to Jurgen Klopp After Julian Nagelsmann Steps Down Following World Cup Exit

Germany are set to begin talks with Jurgen Klopp after Julian Nagelsmann stepped down as head coach of the men’s national football team in the wake of the country’s disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign.

The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed that it has accepted Nagelsmann’s resignation and ended his contract with immediate effect. The federation also revealed that it will now approach Klopp regarding the vacant position, adding that the former Liverpool manager has already indicated he is generally open to taking charge of the national team.

Nagelsmann decided to leave just days after Germany suffered a shock penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32, bringing another disappointing World Cup campaign to an early end.

Immediately after the defeat, the 38-year-old had insisted he wanted to continue, saying he was “not someone who runs away.” However, after reflecting on the team’s performance, he concluded that a change in leadership would be best.

In a statement, Nagelsmann said he had spent several days considering his future and consulting with people he trusted both inside and outside the federation.

“The decision was far from easy,” he said. “My priority has always been the success of the national team. After such a painful elimination, I believe the players deserve a fresh start.”

Nagelsmann took charge of Germany in September 2023 after replacing Hansi Flick. During his tenure, he guided the hosts to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 before they were knocked out by eventual champions Spain after extra time. His contract had been extended through the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2028.

Germany’s recent struggles at major tournaments have continued despite several coaching changes. Since winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the four-time world champions have failed to win a knockout match at the tournament. They exited in the group stage in both 2018 and 2022 before this latest early elimination.

DFB sporting director Rudi Völler praised Nagelsmann for taking responsibility despite the disappointment.

“Julian’s decision deserves respect because he has put the interests of the national team ahead of his own,” Völler said. “We all hoped for a better World Cup, but he remains an outstanding coach and I have no doubt he will enjoy success in the future.”

The focus now shifts to Klopp, who is widely regarded as Germany’s preferred candidate to lead the national team into the next chapter.