German media are urging former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to replace Julian Nagelsmann as Germany head coach after the four-time World Cup winners were eliminated in the Round of 32 by Paraguay on Monday night. Paraguay won 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
BILD Leads Calls for Klopp
German publication BILD ran a striking editorial urging Klopp to step in, stating that despite Nagelsmann's contract until 2028, the German Football Association (DFB) can no longer accept a "business as usual" mentality. The article declared: "Nagelsmann should go – and Jurgen Klopp should come!"
BILD held Nagelsmann accountable for Germany's quarter-final elimination to Spain at Euro 2024 and argued he "has repeatedly done things since then that are inappropriate and unbecoming of the national coach." The outlet branded the 38-year-old as "petulant, defiant, and know-it-all," alleging he lacks positivity and struggles to motivate his side. It further attacked his rapport with players, asserting that Nagelsmann "failed on the pitch and didn't manage to get his players into top form as a cohesive unit – which is precisely the job of a coach."
The publication concluded that Klopp "can mould players into a cohesive unit" and establish a bond with supporters. It added: "He won titles in Dortmund and Liverpool that seemed unattainable. Jurgen Klopp, take over! Germany needs you now!"
Widespread Criticism of Nagelsmann
Der Spiegel declared that Germany "deserved their downfall" for their uninspiring displays. Focus Online stated Nagelsmann "has left behind a historic embarrassment: We Germans have never before lost a penalty shootout at a World Cup." Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung claimed: "The national coach failed at this World Cup. He grossly overestimated his team and his own abilities." Berlin-based Welt also called for Klopp to step in, writing: "This is not just a sporting debacle, but the failure of a national coach who couldn't deliver on his promises. It's time for Jurgen Klopp."
Klopp's Current Role and Response
Klopp currently serves as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull and has been working as a pundit for German television at the World Cup. The 59-year-old has expressed contentment in his present position but has not dismissed the prospect of returning to management. Speaking to Magenta TV after Germany's defeat, he said: "I haven't thought about that yet. I understand that my name is being mentioned now. But it's not the time to talk about that."
Nagelsmann Vows to Fight On
Nagelsmann, meanwhile, has made clear he intends to fight for his position. "I am not someone who runs away," he said. "This is not the first time this has happened, and there are some things about today that need to be changed. But if the DFB wants me to continue, I am going to continue. I know the mechanics of football. I know how the industry works. I know a lot of people will want me to leave, but I would love to continue if the DFB wants me to."
This marks the third consecutive World Cup in which Germany have fallen at the knockout stages. In Russia 2018, under Joachim Low, they crashed out in the group stage. In Qatar 2022, Hansi Flick similarly failed to steer the team beyond the group stage.
