Jurgen Klopp has been heavily involved with Germany’s manager throughout the World Cup, and manager Julian Nagelsmann’s position is likely to come under fresh scrutiny following their exit in the round of 32.
Manager Jurgen Klopp addressed the latest speculations relating to him and the job in Germany (Image: Magenta Sport/YouTube)
Manager Jurgen Klopp has failed to completely quash speculation that he could be the next Germany manager following Germany’s humiliating World Cup exit at the hands of Paraguay.
The former Liverpool manager has been acting as a pundit throughout the tournament and was on duty on Monday night when Germany were eliminated early in the round of 32 despite being favorites to beat Paraguay in a dramatic penalty shootout win.
Germany’s failure to live up to expectations in this tournament has resulted in serious doubts over manager Julian Nagelsmann’s future.
At the same time, Klopp has always been linked with Germany’s role, despite his decision to step away from management. However, his recent comments seem to have left the door a little open for the 59-year-old.
“I haven’t thought about it (the role of Germany national team coach) yet. I understand that my name will be mentioned in some way when the position of national team coach is discussed,” Klopp said.
“But it’s not the time to really talk about it. There’s nothing to say about it. I have a job that I enjoy very much. As far as I know, it’s not a part-time job.”
An interesting subplot to the constant speculation surrounding Klopp and Germany’s job is the apology he issued to Nagelsmann earlier in the tournament following comments made before the 7-1 win over Curaçao.
“Fortunately, Julian Nagelsmann still chooses the team,” Klopp told Magenta TV, which some took as a hint that the former Bayern Munich manager was on loan. Even Klopp’s on-air colleague Thomas Muller saw the irony and quipped: “Kloppo, we’re only in June. You’re already in September!”
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann insists he will not resign despite disastrous World Cup performance
Klopp went on to apologize to Nagelsmann for his comments, branding them “stupid”.
Nagelsmann insisted he did not expect an apology for his comments, but has been plagued by constant chatter with Klopp over his position.
And while it is unclear whether Klopp has a vision for Nagelsmann’s role, the Germany manager has no intention of resigning in the aftermath of a disastrous World Cup campaign.
Germany’s early exit is not going well (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
“I’m not the kind of person to run away,” Nagelsmann said in the post-match press conference.
“This is not the first time something like this has happened. There are some things that need to change about today. But if the DFB wants me to continue, I will continue.”
“I know how football works. I know how the industry works. I know a lot of people want me to leave, but if that’s what the DFB wants me to do, I’d be happy to continue.”
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