Jurgen Klopp set for Germany talks as Julian Nagelsmann resigns after World Cup upset | OneFootball

It would be Klopp’s first return to management since ending nine-year stint at Liverpool in 2024

Jurgen Klopp is set to hold talks over replacing Julian Nagelsmann as the new head coach of the Germany national team.

The German Football Association (DFB) say they are seeking discussions with the former Liverpool boss, who they claim has “already indicated his general willingness to take on the role”.

Nagelsmann’s exit following three years in charge was officially confirmed on Friday, four days after Germany were dumped out of the World Cup by Paraguay on penalties in the round of 32 following a 1-1 draw in the biggest upset of the tournament so far.

The DFB announced that the decision to terminate Nagelsmann’s contract had been reached, after he had already asked to be released from his duties following Monday’s shock result in Boston.

“My primary objective has always been the success of the team. After such a painful disappointment, the team deserves the opportunity for a true new start.

“I would like to thank my coaching team, the staff, and everyone within the association who supported us, and in particular the players, with whom I was able to work in such a trusting manner.

In the frame: Jurgen Klopp looks likely to succeed Julian Nagelsmann as Germany head coach

PA

“A special thank you also goes to the fans. You carried us along, you believed in us, you gave us energy, even in difficult periods.

“It deeply saddens me that we have disappointed you and that we were unable to give you more nights of football at this World Cup. You deserved far more.”

Klopp is working at the World Cup as a pundit on German TV but would not be drawn on his links to the manager’s role in the wake of the defeat by Paraguay, a result which continued four-time winners Germany’s dismal run of not winning a single knockout match at the tournament since they last lifted the trophy in 2014 in Brazil.

They were eliminated from the group stage in Russia four years later, and also in Qatar in 2022.

Klopp has long since said to be have been open to the Germany job and is widely expected to succeed Nagelsmann, relinquishing his current position as Head of Global Football for Red Bull, which he has held since January 2025.

There have been reports of a special exit clause included in the 59-year-old’s contract with Red Bull that only applies to the Germany coaching role.

Klopp suggested after ending his successful nine-year spell with Liverpool in 2024 that he may not ever return to management, having remarked at the time that he was “running out of energy” as he explained a shock departure from Anfield that stunned fans.

He has also previously coached in German club football with Borussia Dortmund and Mainz, but never stepped into international management.