DFB gives update on Jurgen Klopp after Julian Nagelsmann’s tough message about Germany
After a surprising Round of 32 exit in the 2026 World Cup, Germany has decided to part ways with their national team coach, Julien Nagelsmann. The team’s penalty loss to Paraguay was one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, especially since Germany was ranked 31 places higher by FIFA.
Nagelsmann faced a lot of criticism from the media, and with some players avoiding responsibility, the German Football Association (DFB) decided it was time for a change. They have agreed on a severance deal to end Nagelsmann’s time as coach.
In a statement today, the DFB thanked Nagelsmann for his hard work since he started in September 2023. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf said, “Julian Nagelsmann showed great commitment and ambition. He is also a responsible and genuine person, and we all appreciate him.”
Nagelsmann shared a heartfelt goodbye, saying, “The fans deserved so much more. This decision was very hard for me. My main focus was always the team’s success. After such a tough disappointment, the team needs a fresh start. I want to thank my coaching staff, the support team, the federation, and especially the players I had the honor to work with.”
He added, “A special thanks to the fans — you supported us, believed in us, and gave us energy even during tough times. It hurts that we let you down and couldn’t give you more great moments at this World Cup. You deserved better!”
Reports say Nagelsmann was offered a severance of £6 million, half of his remaining salary, as his contract was meant to last until after the 2028 European Championships.
Now, all eyes are on Jürgen Klopp, the former Liverpool, Dortmund, and Mainz coach, who has teased the idea of becoming Germany’s next head coach while covering the World Cup on German TV. The DFB is ready to talk to him, saying, “Klopp has shown interest in the job, and we will start discussions soon.”
Klopp, who currently works full-time as Head of Football for Red Bull, said juggling both jobs would be tough, but reports suggest he might be ready to return to coaching. During the tournament, Klopp and Nagelsmann even had a brief on-air clash, after Klopp joked about Nagelsmann still being in charge. Many thought Klopp’s choice of words hinted Nagelsmann wouldn’t last much longer.
Nagelsmann became Germany’s coach in 2024 after Hansi Flick left for Barcelona. A disappointing run at Euros 2024, where Germany lost in the Quarter-Finals to Spain, put even more pressure on Nagelsmann to succeed at the World Cup.
His team picks raised some eyebrows, especially calling back 40-year-old Manuel Neuer from retirement, which didn’t sit well with some fans during the warm-up games. The World Cup ended painfully with the loss to Paraguay on penalties, and Joshua Kimmich didn’t hold back in a post-match interview, blaming the squad for the failure.
Local media and former players criticized Nagelsmann for ignoring players abroad and not scouting well. Legend Dietmar Hamann said Nagelsmann wasn’t watching enough football and missed chances to bring in talented players like Yann Bisseck and Schade, who both had strong seasons.
Many described Germany’s football as dull, slow, and boring, questioning Nagelsmann’s approach. Had Germany moved on, they would have faced France in the Round of 16 — a tough challenge that Paraguay will now enjoy instead.