Jurgen Klopp is the frontrunner to become Germany’s next manager after coach Julian Nagelsmann watched his side crash out of the World Cup at the hands of Paraguay on Monday.
Julian Nagelsmann is on the verge of being sacked (Image: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
The German Football Association (DFB) has brutally told coach Julian Nagelsmann to consider resigning or be sacked following the team’s shock World Cup defeat. Jurgen Klopp is already the frontrunner to replace the 38-year-old Nagelsmann, with the former Liverpool boss understood to be open to taking over his home country.
On Monday, Germany lost on penalties to Paraguay in the Round of 32 and was expelled from the World Cup. Jonathan Tarr had his goal controversially rescinded in extra time before missing the decisive penalty in a dramatic penalty shootout.
After the game, Nagelsmann insisted he would not resign. The former Bayern Munich manager has two years left on his contract, which was extended following the club’s strong performance as hosts of Euro 2024.
However, Sky Germany reports that after a meeting with DFB leaders, Nagelsmann was told by the board to consider resigning or being sacked. The process is said to be independent of Klopp’s potential appointment as manager, but it does pave the way for Klopp to return to the managerial role after two years away from the dugout.
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Klopp, 59, has been working as Red Bull’s head of global football since January 2025. His role includes overseeing Red Bull’s network of football clubs, including RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.
This summer, Klopp has been active as a commentator for German broadcaster Magenta during the World Cup. Immediately after Monday’s loss, he was asked if he intended to replace Nagelsmann.
Klopp replied: “I understand that my name has been mentioned.” “But now is not the time to talk about it. And certainly not with me.”
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Jurgen Klopp is open to becoming Germany’s next manager (Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Germany’s loss means they have not won a World Cup knockout stage since the 2014 final. Eight years ago, under coach Joachim Loew, they were eliminated in the group stage at the Russia tournament.
Hansi Flick’s team suffered a surprising defeat at the same stage in 2022. Now, Nagelsmann is unable to change his fate and is paying the price.
After watching his team suffer a crushing defeat in Boston, he admitted that “being sent off in the first stage is not good enough for German football.” “This is our third loss in a row and we are no longer part of a first-class team. It’s disappointing.”
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