Jürgen Klopp is said to be the top choice to become Germany’s next head coach after Julian Nagelsmann left following the team’s disappointing run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nagelsmann resigned after Germany was unexpectedly knocked out in the Round of 32 by Paraguay, who won on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time.
On Friday, German Football Association (DFB) president Bernd Neuendorf thanked Nagelsmann for his service in an official statement.
“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.”
The DFB also said it will start talks with Klopp about the open head coach position.
“Regarding the appointment of a new coach, the DFB leadership will now seek talks with Jürgen Klopp. He has already signaled his general willingness to take on the position.”
Klopp is now Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull Group, but reports say his contract lets him leave if the Germany job opens up.
If he takes the job, it will be Klopp’s first time back in management since he left Liverpool in 2024.
Nagelsmann became Germany’s coach in September 2023 and led the team to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals before managing their World Cup run. Germany finished first in Group E after beating Curaçao and Ivory Coast, even though they lost to Ecuador. Their tournament ended in a tough loss to Paraguay.
After the loss, Nagelsmann said he was ready to stay on as coach if the federation still had confidence in him.
“I am not someone who runs away. This is not the first time this has happened, and some things about today need to be changed.
“But if the DFB wants me to continue, I am going to continue. I know the mechanics of football. I know how the industry works.
“I know a lot of people will want me to leave, but I would love to continue if the football association wants me to.”
Now that Nagelsmann has left, the focus is on Klopp, who could soon start a new chapter as Germany’s head coach.
