Nagelsmann is leaving the Germany role with DFB saying Jurgen Klopp is ready to take over
Julian Nagelsmann today stepped down from his role as Germany head coach with the German Football Association (DFB) preparing for a move by Jurgen Klopp who has “shown his willingness to take over”.
Nagelsmann asked to step down on Thursday and his departure was confirmed this morning by the DFB board following Germany’s World Cup disappointment.
Die Mannschaft topped Group E but crashed out in the round of 32 with a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay.
A statement from the DFB reads: “The shareholder representatives and the supervisory board of DFB GmbH and Co. KG today decided unanimously on the proposal of DFB president Bernd Neuendorf to immediately terminate the contractual relationship with national team coach Julian Nagelsmann.”
“Julian Nagelsmann had already requested the day before in a secret meeting with the DFB leadership to relieve him of his job after the poor result in the World Cup. This request has now been followed by the representatives of the shareholders and the supervisory board.
Neuendorf said: “The German Football Association is very grateful to Julian Nagelsmann for the work he has done since September 2023. He is characterized by a high level of dedication and an amazing desire. Julian Nagelsmann is also a very responsible and honest person, whom we all appreciate.”
A difficult decision to leave a German job – Nagelsmann
Nagelsmann admitted it wasn’t an easy decision to quit.
He said: “I have thought a lot in the past few days since we were removed and I have talked to my confidants in my area and the organization.
“After so many disappointments, it is worth the chance of a new beginning without burden. I would like to thank my coaching staff, the staff and all the people in the association who supported us, especially the players I was able to work with with confidence. I am especially grateful to the fans. You have carried us, you have trusted us, you have given us strength, even in difficult times. I am sorry that we will not let you down from the bottom of our hearts in this world cup. You deserved so much.”
DFB sporting director Rudi Voller said: “After the disappointing World Cup, Julian’s decision should be respected because he is committed to continuing, and he is putting the national team over him.
“Yes, we would have liked a different result and a good team performance. But Julian is a great coach and is still a great coach, and I am sure he will continue his path successfully. I am very grateful to Julian for the cooperation, trust and friendship.”
Klopp is in a position to make the coach return to Germany
Klopp has long been linked with the position but has repeatedly insisted he is happy in his role as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer.
But the 59-year-old, who has not held a managerial job since leaving Liverpool in 2024, is now set for a dramatic comeback.
The DFB statement added: “Regarding taking the coaching position, the DFB leadership will now want to talk to Jurgen Klopp. He has already shown that he is willing to take the position.”
Landing Klopp would be a major meeting for the DFB with the former Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool manager highly sought after since leaving Anfield.
He had been linked with Real Madrid but, having left the Merseyside club due to burnout, a move to another big European club seemed unlikely.
The greater flexibility of international management may suit him and, if talks with the DFB go well, he will be in charge when Germany open their World Cup campaign with an away match against the Netherlands on September 24.
