Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as Germany head coach following their early World Cup exit, with Jurgen Klopp reportedly open to succeeding him. Germany were eliminated in the last 32 stage after losing to Paraguay on penalties, marking their first ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout and extending a run of poor tournament performances.
Nagelsmann's resignation and severance package
Nagelsmann arrived at the DFB headquarters in Frankfurt on Thursday for a secret three-hour summit with German football bosses, including President Bernd Neuendorf, Bundesliga President Hans-Joachim Watzke, and Sporting Director Rudi Voller. Despite presenting his case for why he should remain in charge, the committee strongly recommended he resign. He is set to receive a severance package worth approximately £5 million.
Germany have failed to win a single knockout game since winning the European Championship in 2024, and their World Cup campaign this year ended in disappointment. The defeat to Paraguay also marked the first time Germany lost on penalties at a World Cup.
Klopp emerges as top candidate
Jurgen Klopp, who stepped down as Liverpool manager in 2024, is the popular choice to take over. According to the Daily Telegraph, the 59-year-old is open to the role. Klopp currently works as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH and has been a pundit on German television during the World Cup.
One of Klopp's remaining ambitions is to manage a national team, and the conditions are now ideal for him to take over. Euro 2028, which will be held across England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, is a particularly attractive proposition for the former Liverpool boss.
Germany's tournament struggles
Germany failed to qualify from the group stages of the previous two World Cups and were eliminated at the last 32 stage this time. Their performances have stagnated since their Euro 2024 triumph, with no knockout wins in major tournaments since then. The early exit has left Nagelsmann's position untenable, leading to his resignation.
