Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as Germany head coach following their embarrassing World Cup exit, with Jurgen Klopp open to taking over the national team.
Nagelsmann's resignation after World Cup failure
Germany, who failed to qualify from the group stages in the previous two tournaments, were eliminated at the last-32 stage this week, losing to Paraguay on penalties. This left Nagelsmann's position untenable. Despite insisting he would not 'run away', Bild reports he will now step down.
The former Bayern Munich boss arrived at the DFB headquarters in Frankfurt on Thursday for a secret three-hour summit with German football bosses including President Bernd Neuendorf, Bundesliga President Hans-Joachim Watzke and Sporting Director Rudi Voller.
Nagelsmann pleaded his case, putting forward reasons for Germany's early exit, but did not convince the decision-makers he should lead the nation into Euro 2028 and beyond. Following the meeting, the committee strongly recommended Nagelsmann resign before being pushed. He is set to receive around £5 million in a severance package.
Klopp emerges as top candidate
Klopp is the popular choice to take the reins, with the Daily Telegraph reporting this week he is open to taking over. The 59-year-old stepped down as Liverpool manager in 2024 and now holds a role as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH. He has been working as a pundit on German television during the World Cup.
While in no rush to return to club management, one of Klopp's remaining ambitions is to manage the national team, with conditions now ideal for him to take over. Euro 2028, to be held across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, is a particularly attractive proposition for the former Liverpool boss.
Germany's recent struggles
Since winning the trophy in 2024, Germany's performances at the World Cup have stagnated woefully, having not won a single knockout game since that triumph. Defeat to Paraguay also marked their first ever loss on penalties at a World Cup.
