Germany seeks Klopp talks after Nagelsmann resigns as coach

The German Football Association (DFB) has announced it will seek talks with Jurgen Klopp about becoming the men's national team coach, following Julian Nagelsmann's resignation after Germany's early World Cup exit.

Nagelsmann steps down after World Cup disappointment

Nagelsmann requested to be relieved of his duties on Thursday, days after Germany were eliminated from the World Cup by Paraguay on penalties in the last 32. The DFB granted that request and immediately terminated their contractual relationship with the 38-year-old former Bayern Munich boss.

Initially, Nagelsmann had been determined to remain in charge, stating after the match: "I'm not someone who runs away." However, in a statement on Friday, he explained his change of heart: "I've done a lot of thinking in the days since our elimination and have consulted with trusted individuals both personally and within the federation. The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the team's success. After such a bitter disappointment, they deserve the chance for a fresh start."

Nagelsmann was appointed in September 2023, initially on a contract until after Euro 2024, which was later extended to this year's World Cup and then to Euro 2028. This was his second major tournament; Germany reached the Euro 2024 quarter-finals as hosts before losing in extra time to eventual winners Spain. Germany have not won a World Cup knockout game since being crowned champions in 2014, failing to advance beyond the group stage in 2018 and 2022 under Joachim Low and Hansi Flick respectively.

DFB turns to Klopp

In a statement, the DFB said it "will now seek talks with Jurgen Klopp", adding: "He has already signaled his general willingness to take on the position." Klopp, who left Liverpool at the end of last season after nearly nine years, has been linked with various roles but has not yet returned to management.

DFB sporting director Rudi Voller commented on Nagelsmann's departure: "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. 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."

Team performance and selection under scrutiny

Germany captain Joshua Kimmich said the team must take responsibility for their early exit. However, Nagelsmann's tactical decisions came under scrutiny, including playing Kimmich as a right-back instead of his usual midfield role, recalling winger Leroy Sane to the starting line-up, and selecting 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer over Oliver Baumann, who had played in all six World Cup qualifiers.

DFB president Bernd Neuendorf revealed he spoke with Nagelsmann, Voller, and DFB sporting director Andreas Rettig on Tuesday, and they agreed that "Germany's performance at the World Cup did not meet our standards." Neuendorf added: "Over the coming days, we will take the time to discuss the reasons together and in a calm manner: why the team were unable to show the quality they have, and why they failed to live up to their own expectations and those of football fans across Germany. After a setback of this magnitude, and with the challenges ahead in mind, we cannot and will not simply move on as if nothing has happened."

Speaking after the defeat by Paraguay, former Germany defender Arne Friedrich said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "If you consider the whole tournament, the way we played, it is a deserved loss. Nagelsmann has to face the consequences. It is very disappointing, but that is sport. I would definitely say the journey continues without Nagelsmann."