The German football association (DFB) is seeking discussions with Jurgen Klopp regarding the men’s national team coaching position, following Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation. Nagelsmann requested to be released from his duties on Thursday after Germany’s early exit from the World Cup. The DFB has accepted his request and ended their contractual relationship with the former Bayern Munich manager.
In a statement, the DFB confirmed it “will now seek talks with Jurgen Klopp,” adding that he has “signaled his general willingness to take on the position.” Germany was eliminated from the World Cup on Monday after losing to Paraguay on penalties in the round of 32.
Nagelsmann’s departure and team performance
Nagelsmann initially expressed a desire to remain in charge, stating after the game, “I’m not someone who runs away.” However, in a statement released on Friday, he explained his decision: “I’ve done a lot of thinking in the days since our elimination and have consulted with trusted individuals both personally and within the federation.”
He added, “The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the team’s success. After such a bitter disappointment, they deserve the chance for a fresh start.” This marks Nagelsmann’s second major tournament with Germany.
Germany has not won a World Cup knockout game since their championship victory in 2014. The team failed to advance beyond the group stage in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups under previous coaches. Nagelsmann, who previously managed RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim, took over from Hansi Flick in September 2023. His contract was initially set to run until after Euro 2024, then extended to this year’s World Cup, and subsequently to Euro 2028.
DFB sporting director Rudi Voller commented on Nagelsmann’s decision, stating, “After the disappointing World Cup exit for everyone, Julian’s decision deserves our respect, because he’s taking responsibility where he’d like to continue shaping things, and putting the national team as a whole above himself.” Voller acknowledged that a different tournament outcome and a more convincing performance were desired, but maintained that Nagelsmann remains an excellent coach.
Germany captain Joshua Kimmich emphasized that the team must take responsibility for their early exit. However, Nagelsmann’s tactical choices, such as playing Kimmich at right-back instead of his usual midfield role, and recalling goalkeeper Manuel Neuer when Oliver Baumann had played in all six World Cup qualifiers, drew criticism.
DFB president Bernd Neuendorf confirmed discussions with Nagelsmann, Voller, and DFB managing director Andreas Rettig, where they agreed that “Germany’s performance at the World Cup did not meet our standards.” Neuendorf stated that the DFB would take time to discuss the reasons for the team’s underperformance, noting that after such a setback, they “cannot and will not simply move on as if nothing has happened.”
Klopp’s potential return to coaching
Klopp, who led Liverpool to seven major honours over nine years, including the 2019-20 Premier League title and the Champions League in 2019, stepped down from his role in 2024. He then became Red Bull’s head of global football in January 2025.
Despite previous links to club management, including Real Madrid in March, which he dismissed as “nonsense,” Klopp’s presence as a pundit for German television at the World Cup garnered significant attention. Before Germany’s opening game, he discussed preferred line-ups with former Germany striker Thomas Muller, remarking, “Fortunately, Julian Nagelsmann is picking the team – still.” While he later apologized, the DFB has now confirmed his willingness to consider the national team role.
When Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool in January 2024, he cited a lack of energy. Having spent time away from the daily demands of managing a top-tier club, the former Borussia Dortmund and Mainz boss appears ready to return to coaching in the international arena. However, a potential obstacle is his contract with Red Bull as Head of Global Soccer until 2029.
Reports suggest Klopp has an exit clause allowing him to become Germany coach if approached by the DFB. However, this clause is reportedly a verbal agreement rather than formally written into his contract. One report indicates that Red Bull might seek a compensation fee, which would be the first time the DFB has paid a transfer fee for a coach.
Germany’s next game is scheduled for September 24 in the Nations League against the Netherlands.
Read Also
Source: bbc.com
