Nagelsmann leaves job in Germany after World Cup disaster, Klopp takes over
Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as Germany head coach following the team’s shock exit from the 2026 World Cup, ending his nearly three-year spell in charge.
The decision will come just a few days later Germany eliminated Paraguay iin a penalty shootout in the round of 32, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is now the favorite to take over.
Nagelsmann, who took over in September 2023, was under contract until Euro 2028. However, a disappointing World Cup campaign in Germany has thrown his future into serious doubt. Reports said the German Football Association (DFB) had asked the 38-year-old to consider quitting or risk the sack following the defeat to Paraguay.
The former coach of Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig has now decided to resign. Nagelsmann is expected to receive around £5m in compensation if he leaves on his own rather than being sacked.
His departure ends a tenure that began with high expectations. Germany appointed Nagelsmann to rebuild the national team after a series of poor performances at major tournaments. Instead, another early exit from the World Cup has raised new questions about the team’s direction and the DFB’s long-term plans.
After Germany’s elimination, Nagelsmann admitted his team had fallen well below the standard expected of the four-time world champions.
“If Paraguay knocks you out, you are not a first-class football team. I am very disappointed,” Nagelsmann said.
Despite the criticism, he has made it clear that he wants to continue if the DFB supports him.
“If the DFB wants me to continue, I will continue. I know the mechanisms of football, I know how this industry works,” he said.
“I know a lot of people will want me to leave, but I would like to continue if the Football Association wants me to.”
Attention has now turned to Jurgen Klopp, who has long been linked with the Germany job. Klopp stepped down as Liverpool manager in 2024 and worked as a TV pundit for Germany’s Magenta TV during the World Cup.
Earlier in the tournament, Klopp said he would be willing to coach Germany if the opportunity arose.
“I’m available. If the DFB wants it, I’ll do Euro 2028, and if not, they have to tell me. I’m not someone who runs away,” Klopp said.
After leaving Germany, however, he refused to discuss the vacancy in detail.
“I understand that my name is being talked about. But now is not the time to talk about it, and certainly not with me,” Klopp said.
Klopp was one of Germany’s strongest critics during the tournament. He questioned the team’s performances, saying they failed to show the quality expected from players like Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala.
“There are 500,000 ways to win a football match. You just have to find one,” Klopp said.
“There was only one goal, one dream, and it was shattered. It was dramatic. We didn’t function and we didn’t create enough.
“We all know how well the boys can play, but they didn’t bring it to the pitch.
“In three months, we’ll be raving about Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musial again, how great they are. But not now.”
“We can talk about the DFB. We absolutely have to change a few things.
“We can start with the U10s and wait a few years to see what happens at the top level.”
Germany’s latest exit from the World Cup has increased the pressure on the DFB to make major changes. The decision on Nagelsmann’s successor will be one of the biggest the federation has made in recent years.
If Klopp accepts the role, he will take charge of a team looking to bounce back from another disappointing tournament and rebuild ahead of Euro 2028.
Football World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | football news
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
03 Jul 2026 11:46 IST