Germany have begun the search for a new head coach after confirming Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation, with the German Football Association (DFB) identifying former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp as its preferred candidate.
The DFB confirmed on Friday that it had accepted Nagelsmann’s request to step down following Germany’s early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and had ended his contract with immediate effect.
In a statement, the federation said it would now seek talks with Klopp, adding: “He has already signalled his general willingness to take on the position.”
Germany’s World Cup campaign ended on Monday after the four-time champions lost to Paraguay on penalties in the Round of 32.
Nagelsmann steps down
Nagelsmann initially indicated he wanted to remain in charge after the defeat.
“I’m not someone who runs away,” he said after the match.
However, the 38-year-old announced his decision to resign after further reflection.
“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.”
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Nagelsmann was appointed Germany coach in September 2023 after replacing Hansi Flick. His initial contract ran until the end of Euro 2024 before it was extended through the 2026 World Cup and later to Euro 2028.
During his tenure, Germany reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on home soil, losing to eventual champions Spain after extra time.
DFB backs outgoing coach
DFB sporting director, Rudi Voller, praised Nagelsmann’s decision, describing it as an act of responsibility.
“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,” Voller said.
“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.”
DFB president Bernd Neuendorf also acknowledged that Germany’s performances fell below expectations.
“Germany’s performance at the World Cup did not meet our standards,” Neuendorf said.
“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.”
Germany have not won a World Cup knockout match since lifting the trophy in 2014. They also exited at the group stage in the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
Criticism after World Cup exit
Following the defeat to Paraguay, Germany captain Joshua Kimmich urged the team to accept responsibility for the disappointing campaign.
Nagelsmann’s tactical decisions also came under scrutiny, including deploying Kimmich at right-back instead of his regular midfield role, restoring Leroy Sane to the starting line-up, and recalling veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer after Oliver Baumann had featured in all six World Cup qualifiers.
Former Germany defender, Arne Friedrich, said the defeat made it difficult for Nagelsmann to continue.
“If you consider the whole tournament, the way we played, it is a deserved loss,” Friedrich told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Nagelsmann has to face the consequences. It is very disappointing, but that is sport. I would definitely say the journey continues without Nagelsmann.”
Former Germany midfielder, Thomas Hitzlsperger, also questioned the team’s performances.
“It’s hard to explain how Germany got into this tournament with so many problems. It’s unacceptable.
“It doesn’t look good for Nagelsmann. In the last few months, he hasn’t dealt with situations well. With the expanded World Cup format, to go out so early would be tough to take for any big nation.”
Klopp emerges as leading candidate
Klopp has been out of coaching since leaving Liverpool in 2024 after winning seven major trophies during his nine-year spell at Anfield, including the Premier League title in 2020 and the UEFA Champions League in 2019.
He took up the role of Red Bull’s Head of Global Football in January 2025 and has repeatedly been linked with a return to management.
The 59-year-old has spent much of the ongoing World Cup working as a television pundit in Germany, where his presence has fuelled speculation over a possible appointment.
Before Germany’s opening match, Klopp joked during a television discussion with former Germany striker Thomas Muller: “Fortunately, Julian Nagelsmann is picking the team – still.”
He later apologised, describing it as a slip of the tongue.
The DFB has now confirmed that Klopp has indicated a willingness to discuss taking charge of the national team. If appointed, his immediate objective would be to qualify Germany for Euro 2028 and restore the country’s status among international football’s leading nations.
