Image Credits: Imago Images
Jurgen Klopp was once again quizzed on taking over the Germany job after Julian Naglesmann’s team suffered an early exit from the World Cup at the hands of Paraguay on Monday night.
Predictably, Germany’s early departure from the 2026 World Cup has ramped up the noise around the national team and its future direction.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side were tipped as one of the favourites in North America, yet they were stunned by Paraguay in the Round of 32, losing 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Gillette Stadium in Boston.
Julio Enciso’s first-half header put the South Americans in front before Kai Havertz levelled shortly after the break, but Germany could not find a winner as extra-time passed them.
Jurgen Klopp actually aimed a dig at Arsenal in explaining why Germany’s set-piece goal should have stood.
But the Liverpool legend was also quizzed on whether he would be keen on the national team job should Nagelsmann leave his job as a result of the World Cup.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has reported:
“Asked by MagentaTV whether he would be willing to take over if Julian Nagelsmann leaves, Jürgen Klopp said:
“‘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.'”
“As revealed there are at least two projects for which he would return if EVERYTHING fits: Real Madrid (not now) and the German national team.”
Nagelsmann himself has come out with fighting words himself in the aftermath, declaring that he is not someone who “runs away”:
“I am not someone who runs away,” said the Germany head coach.
“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 football association wants me to.”
🚨👀 Asked by MagentaTV whether he would be willing to take over if Julian Nagelsmann leaves, Jürgen Klopp said:
“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.”
⚠️ As revealed there are at least two… pic.twitter.com/rzCPY3dBf8
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 30, 2026