German FA tell Julian Nagelsmann to resign as Jurgen Klopp waits
The German Football Association has told Julian Nagelsmann to consider resigning or face being sacked following the national team’s shock World Cup exit to Paraguay on Monday.
Jurgen Klopp has emerged as the clear frontrunner to take over from the 38-year-old following the round-of-32 elimination in Boston.
The former Liverpool manager is understood to be open to managing his country after spending two years away from the dugout.
Germany suffered a devastating penalty shootout defeat against the South American side to end their tournament prematurely.
Defender Jonathan Tah had an extra-time goal controversially ruled out before missing the decisive spot-kick in the dramatic shootout.
Nagelsmann defiant amid board pressure
Despite the highly disappointing result, the former Bayern Munich head coach initially insisted he would not step down.
The tactician currently has two years remaining on a contract extension that was signed after a solid home showing at Euro 2024.
However, reports indicate the governing body’s board has now delivered a blunt ultimatum following emergency crisis talks.
This decisive action is reportedly independent of any potential appointment, but it significantly clears the path for a high-profile successor.
Klopp addresses national team speculation
The 59-year-old has been employed as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer since January 2025, overseeing a network of clubs including RB Leipzig.
He is currently working at the tournament as a television pundit and was questioned about the managerial vacancy in the immediate aftermath of the defeat.
“I understand that my name is being mentioned. But this isn’t the moment to talk about it – and certainly not with me.”
A decade of tournament disappointment
This latest early exit extends a miserable run of form on the global stage for the four-time world champions.
The European heavyweights have remarkably failed to win a single World Cup knockout match since lifting the prestigious trophy in 2014.
Joachim Low oversaw a disastrous group-stage elimination in Russia eight years ago, before Hansi Flick suffered the exact same fate in 2022.
The current national team boss acknowledged this severe decline after watching his squad fall short in the United States.
“This is now the third elimination in a row, so we are not part of the first-class teams any more. I am disappointed.”