Julian Nagelsmann today left his role as head coach of Germany with the German Football Association (DFB) preparing a move for Jurgen Klopp who has “signalled his fundamental willingness to take over”.
Nagelsmann offered to stand down on Thursday and his departure was ratified this morning by the DFB board following Germany’s disappointing showing at the World Cup.
Die Mannschaft topped Group E but fell at the round-of-32 stage with a penalty shoot-out defeat to Paraguay.
A statement from the DFB read: “Shareholder representatives and the supervisory board of DFB GmbH and Co. KG have today unanimously decided on the proposal of DFB president Bernd Neuendorf to immediately terminate the contractual relationship with national team coach Julian Nagelsmann.
“Julian Nagelsmann had already asked the day before in a confidential conversation with the DFB leadership to release him from his duties after the disappointing result at the World Cup. This request has now been complied with by the shareholder representatives and the supervisory board.
Neuendorf said: “The German Football Association expressly thanks Julian Nagelsmann for the work done 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, who we all appreciate.”
Hard decision to walk away from Germany job – Nagelsmann
Nagelsmann admitted it was not an easy decision to quit.
He said: “I have thought a lot in the past few days since our elimination and had discussions with confidants in my personal environment and in the association. The decision was anything but easy for me. My ultimate goal has always been the success of the team.
“After such a bitter disappointment, it deserves the chance for an unburdened new beginning. I would like to thank my coaching team, the staff and all the people in the association who supported us, especially the players with whom I was able to work with confidence. Special thanks to the fans. You have carried us, you have trusted us, you have given us energy, even in difficult times. I am sorry from the bottom of my heart that we disappointed you and could not give you any more nights at this World Cup. You deserved much more.”
DFB sporting director Rudi Voller said: “After the disappointing World Cup, Julian’s decision deserves our respect. Because he has taken responsibility even if he would like to carry on, and puts the national team as a whole above himself.
“Of course, we would have all liked a different outcome and a more convincing performance from the team. But Julian is and remains an excellent coach, and I am convinced that he will continue on his way successfully. I am sincerely grateful to Julian for the trusting and friendly cooperation.”
Klopp in line to make coaching return with Germany
Klopp has long been linked with the post but insisted on numerous occasions he was happy in his role as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull.
But the 59-year-old, who has not held a coaching job since walking away from Liverpool in 2024, is now poised to make a sensational return.
The DFB statement added: “Regarding the replacement for the coaching post, the DFB leadership will now seek a conversation with Jurgen Klopp. He has already signalled his fundamental willingness to take over the post.”
Getting Klopp would be a major coup for the DFB with the former Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool boss in high demand since leaving Anfield.
He was linked with Real Madrid but, having left the Merseyside club due to burn-out, a move to another major European side always seemed unlikely.
The more relaxed pace of international management is likely to suit him perfectly and, should the talks with the DFB go smoothly, he will be in charge when Germany open their Nations League campaign with an away game against the Netherlands on September 24.
