Germany were knocked out of the World Cup by Paraguay on Monday night, with Julian Nagelsmann's side losing 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Round of 32
10:20, 30 Jun 2026Updated 10:25, 30 Jun 2026
Jurgen Klopp looks on
Jurgen Klopp has been urged to take over the German national team(Image: Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has been urged to replace Julian Nagelsmann as Germany head coach.
The appeal has emerged from sections of the German press following the four-time World Champions' dramatic exit from this summer's tournament on Monday at the hands of Paraguay in the Round of 32.
The former Bayern Munich manager was left helpless as his team's World Cup ambitions crumbled, with the South American side prevailing 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 stalemate after 120 minutes. Subsequently, German publication BILD ran a striking editorial calling upon former Liverpool chief Klopp to step in and save his nation.
The demands follow Klopp's tongue-in-cheek comments regarding Nagelsmann's position, for which he subsequently issued an apology.
The article asserts that, notwithstanding Nagelsmann's contract extending until 2028, the country's football association can no longer tolerate a "business as usual" mentality. It declared that "Nagelsmann should go – and Jurgen Klopp should come!".
Holding Nagelsmann accountable for Germany's quarter-final elimination by Spain at Euro 2024, the piece contends he "has repeatedly done things since then that are inappropriate and unbecoming of the national coach.", reports the Mirror.
The publication also lambasts the 38 year old as "petulant, defiant, and know-it-all", suggesting he lacks enthusiasm and fails to motivate his squad. The piece continued its criticism of his rapport with players, asserting that Nagelsmann "failed on the pitch and didn't manage to get his players into top form as a cohesive unit – which is precisely the job of a coach."
The outlet concluded that Klopp "can mould players into a cohesive unit" and establish a bond with supporters. It concludes: "He won titles in Dortmund and Liverpool that seemed unattainable. Jurgen Klopp, take over! Germany needs you now!"
Julian Nagelsmann
Julian Nagelsmann has come in for fierce criticism(Image: Getty Images)
Response across Germany has been scathing, as anticipated. Der Spiegel argues Germany "deserved their downfall" for their lacklustre displays.
Nagelsmann faced harsh criticism from Focus Online, which stated he "has left behind a historic embarrassment: We Germans have never before lost a penalty shootout at a World Cup."
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung argued: "The national coach failed at this World Cup. He grossly overestimated his team and his own abilities."
Berlin-based Welt also advocated for a particular former Liverpool boss to fill the vacancy.
They stated: "This is not just a sporting debacle, but the failure of a national coach who couldn't deliver on his promises. It's time for Jurgen Klopp."
Klopp currently serves as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, while also working as a television pundit for German broadcasters at the World Cup. The 59 year old has expressed contentment in his present position, yet has not dismissed the prospect of one day returning to management.
Jurgen Klopp on Magenta TV
Jurgen Klopp on Magenta TV(Image: Magenta TV)
Speaking to Magenta TV following Germany's stunning defeat, the former Borussia Dortmund boss remained tight-lipped, yet stopped short of ruling himself out of the running.
"I haven't thought about that yet. I understand that my name is being mentioned now. But it's not the time to talk about that," he remarked, with considerable diplomacy.
Nagelsmann, meanwhile, has made clear his determination to retain his position. "I am not someone who runs away," he said.
"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."
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This marks the third consecutive World Cup in which Germany have fallen at the knockout stages. At Russia 2018, Die Mannschaft, under Joachim Löw — who had steered the nation to World Cup glory in 2014 — crashed out in the group stages.
The pattern continued in Qatar in 2022, when Hansi Flick similarly failed to guide his side beyond the group stage.