Jurgen Klopp has indicated he is open to becoming Germany's next manager following the national team's shock World Cup exit, but any potential appointment hinges on a crucial agreement with the German Football Association (DFB).
Germany's World Cup Exit Sparks Managerial Uncertainty
Germany suffered another early World Cup exit on Monday, losing to Paraguay on penalties in the round of 32. The four-time winners had a potential winning goal controversially ruled out in extra time. This latest failure marks the third consecutive tournament in which Germany has failed to reach the quarter-finals, following group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022.
Current manager Julian Nagelsmann, 38, has insisted he will not resign and has a contract until the 2028 European Championship, which will be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland. However, pressure is mounting, and reports suggest the DFB is considering a change.
Klopp's Interest and Conditions
According to The Telegraph, Klopp is open to replacing Nagelsmann if the DFB decides to make a change. The 59-year-old has not coached since leaving Liverpool in May 2024, citing a lack of energy for the daily demands of Premier League management. One of Klopp's remaining ambitions is to manage at a World Cup, and the Germany job would fulfill that goal.
However, any agreement would come with a caveat: Klopp is unlikely to want to spend every weekend watching club players from the stands. In January 2025, he began work as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer, overseeing the Red Bull network of clubs including RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg and New York Red Bulls. This role requires his attention, and he would need to negotiate a balance between his Red Bull duties and the Germany job.
Klopp's Response to Speculation
Klopp has been working as a pundit for German broadcaster Magenta at this summer's World Cup. When asked about his stance following Germany's exit, he said: "I understand that my name is being mentioned. But this isn't the moment to talk about it – and certainly not with me."
Nagelsmann's Admission
Nagelsmann acknowledged the team's decline after the defeat: "If you exit after the first stage, it's not enough for German football. This is now the third elimination in a row so we are not part of the first class teams any more. I am disappointed."
Klopp would be tasked with restoring Germany to former glories, having won the World Cup in 2014. The DFB now faces a decision on whether to stick with Nagelsmann or pursue Klopp, with the latter's condition regarding his Red Bull role a key factor.
