Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has faced deafening calls to take over the German national team after Julian Nagelsmann's side was spectacularly eliminated from the World Cup in the Round of 32 by Paraguay on Monday night. The South American nation won 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw across 120 minutes, marking the third consecutive World Cup where Germany failed to advance past the knockout rounds.
German Media Urges Klopp to Take Charge
In the aftermath, German outlet BILD published a stunning editorial imploring Klopp to rescue his country. The piece stated that despite Nagelsmann's contract running until 2028, the German Football Association (DFB) cannot entertain a 'business as usual' approach. It added: 'Nagelsmann should go – and Jurgen Klopp should come!'
The article blamed Nagelsmann for Germany's quarter-final exit to Spain at Euro 2024 and argued he 'has repeatedly done things since then that are inappropriate and unbecoming of the national coach.' It also slammed the 38-year-old as 'petulant, defiant, and know-it-all,' claiming he lacks positivity and struggles to inspire his team. The publication blasted his relationship with players, stating that Nagelsmann 'failed on the pitch and didn't manage to get his players into top form as a cohesive unit – which is precisely the job of a coach.'
Widespread Criticism Across German Outlets
Reaction throughout Germany has been brutal. Der Spiegel said Germany 'deserved their downfall' for their tepid performances. Focus Online stated Nagelsmann 'has left behind a historic embarrassment: We Germans have never before lost a penalty shootout at a World Cup.' Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung claimed: 'The national coach failed at this World Cup. He grossly overestimated his team and his own abilities.'
Berlin-based Welt also called for Klopp to step in, writing: 'This is not just a sporting debacle, but the failure of a national coach who couldn't deliver on his promises. It's time for Jurgen Klopp.'
Klopp's Current Role and Response
Klopp is currently the Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull and has been working for German television at the World Cup. The 59-year-old has said he is happy in his current role but has entertained the idea of returning to the dugout. Speaking to Magenta TV after Germany's shock defeat, he said: 'I haven't thought about that yet. I understand that my name is being mentioned now. But it's not the time to talk about that.'
Nagelsmann's Stance
Nagelsmann, however, insisted he still has the fight for the job. 'I am not someone who runs away,' he said. 'This is not the first time this has happened, and there are some things about today that need to be changed. But if the DFB wants me to continue, I am going to continue.' He added: 'I know the mechanics of football. I know how the industry works. I know a lot of people will want me to leave, but I would love to continue if the DFB wants me to.'
Germany's early exit marks the third World Cup in a row where they failed to make it past the knockout rounds. In Russia 2018, under Joachim Low, they exited in the group stages. In Qatar 2022, Hansi Flick failed to guide the team past the group stage.
