Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as head coach of the Germany national team following their humiliating World Cup exit to Paraguay, according to local reports. Jurgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager, is the favourite to succeed him.
World Cup Exit Sparks Resignation
Germany suffered a shock penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay, leading to Nagelsmann's departure. The 38-year-old had been expected to remain until after Euro 2028 but faced pressure from the DFB board, who advised him to resign or be dismissed. An official announcement is expected today.
Nagelsmann had previously stated, "I am available. If the DFB wants it, then I will do the Euro 2028, and if not then they have to tell me. I'm not someone who runs away." However, after the defeat, he conceded, "If you are eliminated by Paraguay, you are just not a first-class football team. I am very disappointed."
Jurgen Klopp Emerges as Favourite
Klopp, who has been working as a pundit at the World Cup, is now the leading candidate for the role. When asked about succeeding Nagelsmann, Klopp responded, "I understand that my name is being mentioned. But this isn't the moment to talk about it - and certainly not with me."
Klopp had previously stirred controversy by hinting at Nagelsmann's potential exit before the tournament, saying, "Luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team. Still." The repeated use of 'still' was considered disrespectful in Germany, prompting Klopp to apologise. "I've already found the most hated word of the year: 'Still,'" he confessed. "I could have punched myself in the face for that, but it was already too late and I was on TV."
Germany's World Cup Struggles
Germany have not won a knockout match at the World Cup since their 2014 triumph. Under Joachim Löw in 2018, they were eliminated in the group stage, a fate they suffered again under Hansi Flick in 2022. Nagelsmann managed to advance one step further, but only to the round of 32, before the Paraguay defeat.
