Julian Nagelsmann’s future as Germany head coach appears increasingly uncertain following the national team’s surprise elimination from the FIFA World Cup, with Jurgen Klopp emerging as the leading candidate to take charge.
Germany’s campaign ended in dramatic fashion after a Round of 32 defeat to Paraguay, intensifying pressure on Nagelsmann despite his contract running until the end of the 2028 European Championship.
According to reports in Germany, senior figures within the German Football Association (DFB) have lost confidence in the 38-year-old following the disappointing tournament. An unnamed source quoted by Süddeutsche Zeitung reportedly claimed Nagelsmann now has virtually no chance of remaining in the role, with German news agency SID also reporting that a managerial change is expected.
Attention has quickly turned to Klopp as the overwhelming favourite to succeed him.
The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager, who currently serves as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer, is reportedly open to taking charge of the German national team should the DFB formally approach him. Several German media outlets believe he has become the federation’s preferred choice if Nagelsmann is dismissed.
Nagelsmann has publicly indicated he has no intention of resigning and remains willing to honour the remainder of his contract. Any decision over his future is therefore expected to rest with the DFB, which would need to negotiate his departure should it decide to make a change.
Germany’s latest World Cup disappointment has reignited wider debate about the direction of the national team.
The four-time world champions have now suffered a succession of disappointing performances at major tournaments since lifting the World Cup in 2014. Former captain Philipp Lahm recently argued that Germany need greater tactical consistency and a clearer footballing identity if they are to return to the top level of international football.
Klopp’s track record makes him an attractive candidate. During spells with Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, he won league titles, domestic cups and the UEFA Champions League while developing a reputation as one of world football’s elite coaches.
Although no official announcement has been made, growing reports in Germany suggest the DFB are preparing for a managerial change, with Klopp widely viewed as the man most likely to begin a new era for the national team.
