Germany turns to Klopp after Nagelsmann resigns following World Cup exit

The German Football Association (DFB) has accepted Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation and will now open talks with Jurgen Klopp about taking over as head coach of the men’s national team. Nagelsmann stepped down on Thursday, just days after Germany were eliminated from the World Cup in the round of 32 by Paraguay on penalties. The 38-year-old former Bayern Munich manager, who took charge in September 2023, said he had “done a lot of thinking” since the defeat and concluded the team needed a fresh start. “The decision was anything but easy for me,” Nagelsmann said in a statement on Friday. “My top priority has always been the team’s success. After such a bitter disappointment, they deserve the chance for a fresh start.” The DFB immediately terminated its contract with Nagelsmann, whose deal had been extended after Euro 2024 through to the 2026 World Cup and then to Euro 2028. In a statement, the federation confirmed it “will now seek talks with Jurgen Klopp” and added that the former Liverpool manager “has already signaled his general willingness to take on the position.” Germany’s World Cup campaign ended on Monday when the four-time champions were beaten by Paraguay in a penalty shootout. It marked the third consecutive tournament in which Germany failed to win a knockout match – they have not done so since lifting the trophy in 2014. Under Joachim Low and Hansi Flick, the team exited in the group stage in 2018 and 2022. Nagelsmann’s tenure included a run to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals as hosts, where Germany lost in extra time to eventual champions Spain. Despite the early World Cup exit, DFB sporting director Rudi Voller defended the coach’s record. “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 said. “Of course, we all would have liked a different outcome to the tournament and a more convincing performance from our team. But Julian is and remains an excellent coach, and I’m convinced he’ll continue on his successful path.”