Jurgen Klopp open to Germany job as Nagelsmann resigns after World Cup exit

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has informed the German Football Association (DFB) that he is “fundamentally willing” to become Germany’s next head coach following Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation.

The DFB confirmed the development on Friday after Nagelsmann stepped down just four days after Germany’s disappointing Round of 32 exit to Paraguay at the FIFA World Cup.

Nagelsmann, whose contract was due to run until 2028, announced his decision after meeting DFB officials in Frankfurt.

In a statement, the German FA said discussions would now begin with Klopp while thanking Nagelsmann for his nearly three years in charge of the national team.

Klopp, who guided Liverpool to both the UEFA Champions League and Premier League titles, is currently serving as Red Bull’s Head of Global Football. However, Sky Germany reported that he has a verbal agreement allowing him to leave the role if offered the Germany job.

Nagelsmann described his resignation as a difficult decision.

> “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 said.

He also apologised to German supporters following the team’s early World Cup exit.

> “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.”

DFB Sporting Director Rudi Völler praised Nagelsmann’s work despite the disappointing campaign.

> “He is and remains an excellent coach and I am convinced that he will continue to follow his path successfully,” Völler said.

Germany’s recent struggles

Germany’s defeat to Paraguay marked another setback for the four-time world champions, who also suffered group-stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

The national team has also struggled at the European Championship, exiting in the Round of 16 at Euro 2021 before losing to eventual champions Spain in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on home soil.

The DFB reportedly decided to part ways with Nagelsmann immediately after the World Cup to avoid repeating previous situations where underperforming coaches remained in charge for extended periods.

Nagelsmann, regarded as one of Germany’s brightest coaching talents, previously managed Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich before taking charge of the national team.

Initially appointed for Euro 2024, he later extended his contract twice, with the latest deal scheduled to keep him in charge until after Euro 2028. However, his tenure has now come to an end following Germany’s latest World Cup disappointment.