Jürgen Klopp confirms talks to become Germany head coach after Nagelsmann exit
Jürgen Klopp has confirmed he is in talks with the German Football Association (DFB) to succeed Julian Nagelsmann as national team coach, following Germany's early elimination from the 2026 World Cup.
World Cup exit triggers change
Germany's 2026 World Cup campaign ended in the round of 32 with a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay, their first ever loss on penalties at the tournament. The team had started brightly with a 7-1 win over Curacao, but a narrow victory against Ivory Coast and a loss to Ecuador preceded the shock exit. Julian Nagelsmann initially said he would not resign, but later stepped down under pressure from DFB officials.
Klopp confirms DFB approach
Klopp, 59 (some sources say 58), is the DFB's primary candidate. He confirmed the federation contacted him while he was working as a pundit for Magenta TV during the World Cup.
Julian resigned, and the federation is working on a successor and contacted me.
The former Liverpool manager said he is fully recharged after leaving the Premier League club in 2024, having previously cited a lack of energy. He now feels ready to return to coaching.
When I left Liverpool two years ago, I said I lacked the energy for another job or another year at that club. Since then, however, I have managed to recharge, I am ready.
Contractual hurdles with Red Bull
Klopp has been head of global football at Red Bull since January 2025. He stressed that any move requires the consent of his employer, specifically his superior Oliver Mintzlaff. His contract reportedly includes a clause allowing him to leave for the Germany job.
I have an employer, Red Bull, for whom I work very gladly. I have a team with whom I work very closely. Over almost two years I have met wonderful people there. Such a place you don't just leave.
Klopp said talks are at an early stage and will take time, but he is genuinely interested. He also argued that German football needs fundamental changes, regardless of who becomes coach.
Other names in the frame
Former Germany international Stefan Effenberg proposed Austrian coach Oliver Glasner, 51, who led Crystal Palace to the Conference League title but did not extend his contract. Glasner previously won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt and took Wolfsburg to the Champions League.
As a player, he played over 400 first-division matches, knows the industry inside out – and at his previous clubs he has proven that he provides development for talented teams.
World Cup winner Mats Hummels, working as a pundit, mentioned Pep Guardiola as another potential candidate, calling both Guardiola and Klopp the two best coaches of the last two decades.
- Julian Nagelsmann steps down after Germany's penalty shootout loss to Paraguay in the World Cup round of 32.
- DFB announces it will pursue talks with Jürgen Klopp, who has signaled readiness.
- Klopp confirms DFB contact, says he is recharged and ready, but needs Red Bull's approval.
- Stefan Effenberg proposes Oliver Glasner; Mats Hummels mentions Pep Guardiola.
