Former Liverpool man linked with international return | OneFootball

World Cup exit changes mood around Germany

Germany’s latest World Cup disappointment has intensified scrutiny surrounding Julian Nagelsmann, with Jurgen Klopp once again emerging as the outstanding candidate should the German Football Association decide a managerial change is required.

According to original reporting from The Mirror, Klopp is open to taking charge of his national team if the opportunity formally arises, although any potential agreement would depend on key conditions being met.

Germany’s penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32 has prompted widespread debate over the direction of the national side. Having already suffered disappointing exits in recent major tournaments, another campaign ending well before expectations has inevitably increased the pressure on Nagelsmann.

Despite the criticism, the Germany manager has made it clear that resignation is not under consideration. Nagelsmann remains contracted until the 2028 European Championship, which will be jointly hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

Speaking after the elimination, Nagelsmann admitted the scale of the setback.

“If you exit after the first stage, it’s not enough for German football,” he said.

“This is now the third elimination in a row so we are not part of the first class teams any more. I am disappointed.”

Those remarks underline the scale of the rebuilding task now facing Germany, regardless of who ultimately occupies the dugout.

Klopp remains dream appointment

Klopp has not managed a club since leaving Liverpool in 2024, stepping away after acknowledging that the relentless demands of elite coaching had drained his energy.

Since January 2025 he has been working as Head of Global Soccer within the Red Bull football network, overseeing sporting operations across several clubs rather than coaching on a daily basis.

However, reports suggest international management continues to appeal.

According to The Mirror, citing reporting from The Telegraph, one of Klopp’s remaining ambitions is to manage at a FIFA World Cup, making the Germany position an attractive proposition should circumstances change.

Klopp has so far avoided fuelling speculation publicly.

Working as a television pundit during this summer’s tournament, he was asked directly about links with the Germany role following the defeat to Paraguay.

“I understand that my name is being mentioned,” Klopp said.

“But this isn’t the moment to talk about it and certainly not with me.”

Those carefully chosen words neither confirmed nor denied any interest, but they did little to cool suggestions that Klopp could eventually succeed Nagelsmann if the German FA decides fresh leadership is required.

Conditions could shape any agreement

Although Klopp appears open to discussing the role, there is reportedly one significant obstacle before any appointment could become reality.

The Mirror reports that Klopp would not be enthusiastic about spending every weekend travelling around Germany and Europe watching club matches in person throughout the domestic season.

That requirement has traditionally formed a significant part of international management, with coaches maintaining close contact with players while monitoring performances across multiple competitions.

Having deliberately stepped away from the daily demands of club football, Klopp may be reluctant to replace one exhausting routine with another.

Instead, any negotiations would likely require flexibility regarding how scouting, player monitoring and preparation are structured.

Whether the German Football Association would be prepared to accommodate such an arrangement remains uncertain.

Given Klopp’s stature within German football and his achievements at Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, compromises may become part of any future discussions.

Future remains uncertain for Nagelsmann

For now, Nagelsmann continues as Germany manager, and publicly he has given no indication that he intends to walk away despite mounting criticism.

The 38-year-old inherited a national side already searching for consistency, but results at major tournaments have continued to disappoint.

Germany lifted the World Cup in Brazil before enduring successive group stage eliminations, followed now by a Round of 32 exit after defeat to Paraguay.

Those results have inevitably altered expectations surrounding Nagelsmann’s future.

Klopp’s availability only increases speculation. Few German coaches possess his combination of elite experience, international reputation and proven ability to rebuild teams.

Whether the German FA acts immediately or waits until after further review, Klopp’s name is likely to remain at the centre of every discussion.

His comments suggest the door is not firmly closed, while Nagelsmann continues to insist his focus remains solely on restoring Germany’s fortunes.

For Germany, the coming weeks could prove pivotal as one disappointing World Cup campaign raises significant questions about the future direction of one of international football’s traditional powerhouses.