Germany seek Jurgen Klopp talks after Nagelsmann resigns
Jurgen Klopp is the leading candidate to become Germany's next men's head coach after Julian Nagelsmann resigned following the team's World Cup 2026 exit. The German FA says it will now seek talks with Klopp, who has already signalled his general willingness to take the job. Nagelsmann stepped down after Germany were beaten on penalties by Paraguay in the last 32, ending another disappointing tournament for the four-time world champions.
Key Takeaways
- Julian Nagelsmann resigned as Germany coach after the team's penalty-shootout loss to Paraguay in the World Cup 2026 round of 32.
- The DFB says it will now seek talks with Jurgen Klopp, who has signalled his general willingness to take the role.
- Klopp confirmed discussions with the German FA while working as a World Cup pundit for MagentaTV.
- The former Liverpool boss is Red Bull's global head of football and earns about £8.5m per year in that role.
- Germany's next major target would be qualifying for Euro 2028 and rebuilding the national team.
Why did Julian Nagelsmann resign as Germany coach?
Nagelsmann requested to be relieved of his duties on Thursday after Germany bowed out of the World Cup on Monday. The German FA granted that request and immediately terminated its contractual relationship with the 38-year-old former Bayern Munich boss.
Initially, Nagelsmann was determined to remain in charge, saying after the Paraguay defeat: "I'm not someone who runs away." But in a statement on Friday, he said the team deserved "the chance for a fresh start" after a bitter disappointment.
Nagelsmann replaced Hansi Flick in September 2023 and led Germany to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals as hosts. His contract had been extended through this World Cup and on to Euro 2028. Germany have not won a World Cup knockout game since their 2014 triumph, failing to advance beyond the group stage in 2018 and 2022.
What has Jurgen Klopp said about the Germany job?
Speaking to MagentaTV, Klopp confirmed that talks are underway. "Yes, I can confirm the talks," he said. "Things moved pretty quickly. Julian stepped down. The DFB are looking for a successor. And they're talking to me."
Klopp, who left Liverpool in 2024 and became Red Bull's global head of football in January 2025, said he does not anticipate his employers blocking a move. He told Magenta he must speak with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff but assumes he "won't stand in the way."
He also defended Nagelsmann, insisting Germany's problems "cannot be pinned only on Julian Nagelsmann." The DFB said Klopp has "already signalled his general willingness to take on the position."
What would a Klopp appointment mean for Germany?
Klopp's presence at the World Cup as a German television pundit had already overshadowed Nagelsmann's campaign. Before Germany's opening game, Klopp and former striker Thomas Muller discussed their preferred line-ups on air, prompting speculation about a future switch.
According to the BBC, Klopp earns about £8.5m per year at Red Bull — £2.5m more than Nagelsmann received as national team coach. The Times reports he has a gentlemen's agreement with Red Bull chiefs allowing him to leave for the Germany job.
The immediate goal would be to qualify for Euro 2028 and lead a successful campaign. Over the longer term, Klopp would be asked to renew the national team and restore standards closer to Germany's pre-2016 level. For more on this developing story, see our Celebrity Breaking News coverage. Full details are available from the BBC.