Julian Nagelsmann has resigned from his position as head coach of the German national team, following their shock round of 32 elimination from the 2026 World Cup at the hands of Paraguay. The resignation clears the way for former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to take the reins, marking his first foray into international football.
Nagelsmann Forced Out After Meeting with DFB Officials
Initially, Nagelsmann stated he would not quit after the defeat, but a lengthy meeting with the German Football Association (DFB) in Frankfurt on Thursday led to a different outcome. During the meeting, Nagelsmann attempted to explain the reasons for the early exit, but his arguments failed to convince key figures including DFB President Bernd Neuendorf, managing director Andreas Rettig, Hans-Joachim Watzke, and Rudi Voller. According to BILD, he will depart with a severance package of approximately £6 million (€6 million).
Klopp Emerges as Favourite to Take Over
Jurgen Klopp, 59, has been the frontrunner to replace Nagelsmann since leaving Liverpool two years ago. The former Mainz and Borussia Dortmund boss is reportedly keen to take on the role, which would be his first experience managing a national team. Klopp has been away from the touchline since the end of the 2023-2024 season and is eager to return to football in a new capacity.
Nagelsmann's Initial Defiance
Speaking immediately after Germany's World Cup exit, Nagelsmann expressed his desire to continue. "I am not someone who runs away," he said. "This is not the first time this has happened, and there are some things about today that need to be changed. But if the DFB wants me to continue, I am going to continue." He acknowledged the likely public backlash but remained defiant: "If we did a survey today in Germany people would not speak positively about me today. But in football you win some and you lose some, it's always been that way." He added, "It was very difficult because they were ultra-defensive. We didn't give enough. When you exit the World Cup after you play Paraguay then it is very bitter."
Impact and Next Steps
Nagelsmann's resignation ends a tenure that began with promise but ended in disappointment. The DFB will now accelerate talks with Klopp, who is expected to sign a contract through to the 2028 European Championship. The move signals a new era for German football, with Klopp's charismatic leadership and tactical acumen seen as the key to restoring the nation's standing in world football.
