The German Football Association (DFB) announced on Friday that it will initiate discussions with former Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp to take over as head coach of the national team, following the departure of Julian Nagelsmann after Germany's disappointing World Cup campaign.
Germany's defeat to Paraguay on penalties in the round of 32 marked their third consecutive poor World Cup performance, following first-round exits in 2018 and 2022. The four-time champions last won the trophy in 2014.
DFB Board Seeks Klopp
The DFB board confirmed its intention to approach Klopp, who has long been considered the ideal successor to Nagelsmann. "Regarding the appointment of a new head coach, the DFB leadership will now seek talks with Juergen Klopp. He has already signalled his general willingness to take on the role," the DFB stated.
Klopp, 59, is currently working as a pundit for German television at the World Cup and serves as global head of soccer at Red Bull. He had indicated days earlier that he would be open to such a proposal. Widely regarded as the most popular choice among German fans, Klopp caused controversy earlier in the tournament when he hinted that Nagelsmann's tenure might be ending, for which he later apologized.
One of Germany's most successful club coaches, Klopp won domestic league and cup titles with Borussia Dortmund before taking charge of Liverpool from 2015 to 2024. During his nine-year spell at Anfield, he led the club to numerous major honors, including the Champions League and Premier League titles.
Klopp is known for his direct, sometimes vocal communication style, which contrasts sharply with Nagelsmann's approach, occasionally perceived as abrasive or arrogant.
Nagelsmann's Departure
Nagelsmann, who immediately after the loss to Paraguay expressed his readiness to continue and fulfill his contract until 2028, acknowledged that the World Cup exit necessitated a fresh start. "My top priority has always been the team's success. After such a bitter disappointment, they deserve the chance for a fresh start," Nagelsmann said in a DFB statement. "A special thank you also goes to the fans. You carried us, you trusted us, you gave us energy, even during difficult times. It truly pains me that we disappointed you and couldn't give you any more memorable nights of football at this World Cup."
Nagelsmann, 38, took charge in 2023 and became the youngest coach to lead a team in a World Cup knockout match in four decades. After the defeat, he had said he was "not someone to say 'I'm stepping down' just because we were eliminated." His team had reached the quarter-finals at Euro 2024 on home soil in his first tournament in charge.
Following the team's return to Germany, the DFB decided to part ways with Nagelsmann after a three-hour meeting on Thursday. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf expressed gratitude: "The German Football Association expressly thanks Julian Nagelsmann for his work since September 2023. He is characterized by a high level of commitment and extraordinary ambition. Julian Nagelsmann is also an extremely responsible and sincere person whom we all value."
