Jurgen Klopp has stopped short of shutting down speculation linking him with the Germany manager job following their World Cup exit, while Julian Nagelsmann insists he will not walk away
10:23, 30 Jun 2026Updated 10:29, 30 Jun 2026
Jurgen Klopp on Magenta Sport
Jurgen Klopp(Image: Magenta Sport/YouTube)
Jürgen Klopp has declined to entirely dismiss suggestions that he might become the next Germany manager following their humiliating World Cup elimination by Paraguay.
The former Liverpool boss has been serving as a pundit throughout the competition and was present on Monday evening as the Germans suffered an unexpected early exit in the Round of 32, losing on penalties to Paraguay despite entering the match as overwhelming favourites.
Germany's underwhelming tournament performance has subsequently cast significant uncertainty over the position of their current manager, Julian Nagelsmann. Meanwhile, Klopp has consistently been touted for the Germany position despite having chosen to take a break from management. His most recent remarks, though, suggest the 59 year old hasn't entirely ruled out the possibility.
"I haven't thought about that [the German head coach role] yet. I understand that when the national coach position is discussed, my name is mentioned in some form," Klopp said, reports the Mirror.
"But it's not the moment to really talk about it. There's nothing to say about it. I have a job that I enjoy very much. As far as I know, it's not a part-time job."
A notable element within the ongoing speculation linking Klopp to the Germany position is the apology he offered to Nagelsmann earlier in the tournament after making a remark ahead of the 7-1 triumph over Curacao.
Speaking on Magenta TV, Klopp remarked "luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is picking the team, still," a comment some interpreted as suggesting the former Bayern Munich boss's tenure might be under threat.
Germany was eliminated from the World Cup on Monday night
Germany was eliminated from the World Cup on Monday night(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Even Klopp's broadcasting partner, Thomas Müller, noted the awkwardness, joking: "Kloppo, we are still in June. You are already in September!".
Klopp subsequently issued an apology to Nagelsmann, calling himself an "idiot" for making the remark. While Nagelsmann maintained he didn't require an apology for the observation, he has faced ongoing speculation regarding Klopp and his own future.
And regardless of whether Klopp harbours ambitions for Nagelsmann's position, Germany's manager has made clear he has no plans to resign following their calamitous World Cup performance.
"I am not someone who runs away," Nagelsmann stated during his post-match press conference.
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"This is not the first time this has happened, and there are some things about today that need to be changed. But if the DFB wants me to continue, I am going to continue.
"I know the mechanics of football. I know how the industry works. I know a lot of people will want me to leave, but I would love to continue if the DFB wants me to."