The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed on Friday that Jurgen Klopp has expressed a fundamental willingness to take over as the national team coach after Julian Nagelsmann submitted his resignation. Nagelsmann, who had a contract running until 2028, stepped down just four days after Germany's shocking last-32 elimination by Paraguay at the World Cup.
Nagelsmann's Resignation and Severance
The 38-year-old coach was called into a three-hour meeting at DFB headquarters in Frankfurt on Thursday to discuss his future. German tabloid Bild reported that Nagelsmann was offered a severance package of seven million euros (approximately $8 million), equivalent to roughly one year's salary, to terminate his contract early. In a statement, Nagelsmann said, "The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the success of the team. After such a bitter disappointment, it deserves the chance of a new beginning." He also apologized to fans, stating, "I am sorry and hurt from the bottom of my heart that we disappointed you and couldn't give you any more football nights at this World Cup."
Klopp's Availability and Contract
Klopp, the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager, is currently under contract as Red Bull's head of global football. However, Sky Germany reports that he has a verbal agreement allowing him to leave for the Germany job. The DFB said it would begin discussions with Klopp, who led Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League titles, while thanking Nagelsmann for his nearly three-year tenure.
Germany's Recent Struggles
Germany's loss to Paraguay is the latest in a series of setbacks for the four-time world champions. The team suffered group-stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and has underperformed in recent European Championships. Germany was eliminated by England in the round of 16 at Euro 2021 and lost to eventual champions Spain on home soil at Euro 2024. By moving on from Nagelsmann immediately after the World Cup, the DFB aimed to avoid repeating the prolonged tenures of unsuccessful coaches seen after previous tournaments. Joachim Loew, who led Germany to the 2014 World Cup title, left three years after the 2018 World Cup, while Hansi Flick departed a year after the 2022 edition.
Nagelsmann's Tenure
Nagelsmann's appointment was initially considered a coup for the DFB, with European clubs reportedly interested at the time. He was already the youngest coach in Bundesliga history when he took over Hoffenheim at age 28, and later managed Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig. He was initially appointed on a short-term deal for Euro 2024, extended shortly before that tournament, and signed another extension in January 2025 that would have kept him until after Euro 2028. Germany showed signs of revival under Nagelsmann at Euro 2024, winning their group before losing in extra time to eventual champions Spain in the quarter-finals.
DFB's Outlook
DFB sporting director Rudi Voller praised Nagelsmann, saying he "is and remains an excellent coach and I am convinced that he will continue to follow his path successfully." With Klopp now in the frame, the DFB hopes to usher in a new era for German football after a period of disappointment.
