Jurgen Klopp hints he might take the Germany job as Nagelsmann says he won’t quit
After Germany’s tough loss to Paraguay, Jurgen Klopp has talked a bit about maybe stepping in as the national team coach. But the current manager, Julian Nagelsmann, isn’t planning to give up his job just yet.
The World Cup has already seen some coaches lose their positions because of poor results. For example, Tunisia’s coach was fired right after their first game — a really rare move. Scotland’s manager, Steve Clarke, also stepped down after his team’s disappointing exit.
Now, managers like Marco Bielsa and Julian Nagelsmann are feeling the pressure. But Nagelsmann isn’t quitting easily, even though Klopp seems ready if the job opens up.
Germany’s early exit in the Round of 32 against Paraguay ended their perfect penalty shootout streak and put Nagelsmann under fire. This is the third World Cup in a row where Germany hasn’t made it past the first knockout round, and some fans even called for Nagelsmann to resign as they left the stadium.
Still, Nagelsmann is sticking to his role and believes he can improve the team before the Euros and the 2030 World Cup. “I’m not someone who runs away,” he said after the match. “This isn’t the first time we’ve faced challenges, and something needs to change. But if the DFB wants me to stay, I will.”
He pointed out that he knows how football works and expects some people want him gone, but he would love to continue if given the chance. So far, Nagelsmann’s record as Germany’s coach is actually strong, with six wins and two draws in regular time—but penalty shootouts have cost him this time.
There’s no sign yet that the German Football Association wants him out. But that could shift if Klopp officially goes for the job.
On German TV, Klopp said he’s aware people talk about him as a possible coach, but he hasn’t really thought about it. “I have a job I really like right now,” he said. “This isn’t the time to talk about something else.”
Klopp has been very active in World Cup discussions, even speaking out against hydration breaks. Right now, he’s working as Head of Football for the Red Bull Group, overseeing teams like Leipzig and Salzburg.