Nagelsmann resigns after Germany’s World Cup exit, DFB targets Klopp as replacement
Julian Nagelsmann departed as Germany manager on Friday, three days after a penalty-shootout loss to Paraguay in the World Cup round of 16, with the German FA immediately announcing plans to hire Jürgen Klopp.
From appointment to exit
Nagelsmann took charge in September 2023 after Hansi Flick’s dismissal. He extended his contract in January 2025 through to the 2028 European Championship. Germany’s group-stage results, a 7-1 win over Curaçao, a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast and a 2-1 loss to Ecuador, still secured top spot in Group E. The round-of-16 match against Paraguay in Foxborough, however, ended 1-1 after extra time, and the South Americans won the shootout 4-3.
- Germany loses to Paraguay on penalties in the World Cup round of 16 (1-1, 3-4 pens)
- Three-hour crisis meeting at DFB headquarters in Frankfurt
- Nagelsmann resigns; DFB announces intention to hire Jürgen Klopp
Nagelsmann steps down
Nagelsmann had initially insisted he would not resign, saying “I’m not one to run away,” but pressure mounted after a crisis meeting on Thursday. He met with DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, managing director Andreas Rettig, sports director Rudi Völler and Bundesliga chief Hans-Joachim Watzke at the federation’s Frankfurt headquarters for what German newspaper Bild described as a three-hour “secret summit.” The DFB then asked him to consider stepping down. On Friday, the supervisory board voted unanimously to terminate his contract with immediate effect.
The German Football Association expressly thanks Nagelsmann for his work since September 2023. It has been marked by great dedication and extraordinary ambition. Nagelsmann is also an extremely responsible and sincere person whom we all appreciate.
Bild reported that Nagelsmann will receive a severance payment of around 7 million euros.
Klopp ready to take over
In the same statement, the DFB declared it would open talks with Jürgen Klopp, saying the former Liverpool manager “has already indicated his willingness to assume the role.” Klopp, 59, has been working as a World Cup analyst for German broadcaster MagentaTV and serves as global head of football for Red Bull, a position he has held since January 2025. He has not coached a club since leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023–24 season, having won the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020.
Nagelsmann’s farewell
Nagelsmann, who won 23 of his 37 matches in charge, issued a statement acknowledging the disappointment. He thanked his staff, players and fans.
My main priority has always been the team’s success. After such a bitter disappointment, they deserve the chance to start over without any baggage… I am truly sorry and deeply saddened that we disappointed you and could not give you more thrilling football nights in this World Cup. You deserved much more.
It marks the third consecutive World Cup in which Germany failed to reach the quarter-finals, group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022 preceded this year’s round-of-16 loss. Nagelsmann’s departure is the latest twist in a coaching career once tipped for the very top.
