Jurgen Klopp has emerged as the leading candidate to become the next head coach of the German national team after Julian Nagelsmann faced intense scrutiny following Germany's premature World Cup exit. The Germans were eliminated in the round of 32 after a penalty shootout defeat against Paraguay on Monday, sparking calls for Nagelsmann to resign.
World Cup Collapse
Germany started the tournament strongly in North America, thrashing Curacao 7-1 and beating the Ivory Coast 2-1. However, cracks appeared in their final Group C fixture with a narrow 2-1 loss to Ecuador. Their campaign ended in disappointment when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Paraguay, losing 4-3 on penalties after extra time, with Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah missing from the spot.
Nagelsmann Under Fire
Nagelsmann has faced widespread criticism for failing to deliver silverware since his appointment in October 2023. Besides the World Cup exit, Germany were eliminated in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals by Spain (2-1 after extra time) and finished fourth in the 2025 UEFA Nations League Finals. According to BILD, Nagelsmann was summoned to a three-hour meeting at DFB headquarters in Frankfurt on Thursday, where he was asked to explain Germany's elimination and questioned over his tactical decisions and a perceived 'family and friends atmosphere' around the training camp.
Concerns were also raised about the presence of Nagelsmann's girlfriend, Lena Wurzenberger, around the first team. She was seen at Germany's pre-tournament camp in Frankfurt and watching substitutes warm down after the win over Curacao. Lothar Matthaus suggested that WAGs had caused team disputes, with players distracted by arranging travel for their families.
Klopp as Successor
Should the DFB decide to make a change, Klopp is the overwhelming favourite, priced at 2/5 by bookmakers. The 59-year-old has been out of management since leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season after a trophy-laden nine-year spell that included Champions League and Premier League titles. Since then, he has been head of global soccer for Red Bull. Asked about the Germany job after the World Cup exit, Klopp told Magenta TV: "I haven't thought about that yet. I understand that when the national coach position is discussed, my name is mentioned in some form. But it's not the moment to really talk about it. There's nothing to say about it. I have a job that I enjoy very much. As far as I know, it's not a part-time job."
Nagelsmann's Stance
Despite the pressure, Nagelsmann insists he is the right man for the job. He said: "When you exit the World Cup after you play Paraguay it is very bitter. It is very hurtful. This is the third elimination in a row, so we are not part of the first-class teams any more." He added: "If we're going to do a survey today in Germany, people are not going to speak about me positively obviously. I did feel the support in the stadium. I don't think everyone in Germany will agree with me staying on and continuing as manager of the team. I'd like to praise all the German fans who came to the stadium. I expected a totally different reaction from them but it was amazing and impressive the way they supported us, even after the defeat. I'm not going to step back only because we are eliminated. If the DFB want me to continue, I am going to continue. I know how the industry works and a lot of people now want me to leave. I want to continue if the German FA wants me to."
If Klopp takes over, his first task would be the 2026 Nations League starting in autumn, followed by Euro 2028 qualification across the UK and Ireland.
