Jürgen Klopp has informed the German Football Association (DFB) that he is 'fundamentally willing' to accept the role of Germany national team coach, following the resignation of Julian Nagelsmann on Friday. The DFB confirmed the development, which comes just four days after Germany's disappointing last-32 elimination at the hands of Paraguay in the World Cup.
Nagelsmann Steps Down After Paraguay Defeat
Nagelsmann, who had a contract with the DFB until 2028, submitted his resignation on Friday, ending a nearly three-year tenure. The 38-year-old's decision came a day after he was summoned to a three-hour meeting at DFB headquarters in Frankfurt to discuss his future. According to German tabloid Bild, Nagelsmann was offered a severance package of seven million euros (approximately $8 million), equivalent to roughly one year's salary, to terminate his contract early.
The DFB issued a statement thanking Nagelsmann for his service and confirming that discussions would now begin with Klopp, the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager. Klopp, who led Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League titles, is currently employed as Red Bull's head of global football. However, Sky Germany reports that Klopp has a verbal agreement allowing him to leave that position to take over the Germany job.
Klopp's Availability and Next Steps
Klopp's willingness marks a significant step toward his potential appointment. The DFB has not provided a timeline for the negotiations, but Klopp's availability is seen as a major boost for the national team following the early World Cup exit. Nagelsmann's resignation was unexpected, given his contract length, but the Paraguay defeat proved decisive.
The DFB's statement read: 'We are grateful to Julian Nagelsmann for his commitment over the past three years. Discussions with Jürgen Klopp will now take place.' Klopp, 57, has been out of club management since leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season and has expressed interest in international management.
