Jurgen Klopp is the favourite to become Germany's next manager after Julian Nagelsmann watched his side crash out of the World Cup at the hands of Paraguay on Monday
Foxborough, United States - June 29: coach Julian Nagelsmann of Germany and Juergen Klopp looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay at Boston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Foxborough, United States. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Julian Nagelsmann is on the verge of being sacked (Image: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
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The German football association (DFB) have ruthlessly told Julian Nagelsmann to consider resigning after their shock World Cup exit - or face the sack. Jurgen Klopp is already the frontrunner to replace 38-year-old Nagelsmann, with the former Liverpool boss understood to be open to managing his country.
Germany were dumped out of the World Cup on Monday after losing on penalties to Paraguay in the round of 32. Jonathan Tah had a goal controversially ruled out in extra-time before missing a decisive penalty in the dramatic shootout.
Post-match, Nagelsman insisted that he wouldn't step down. The ex-Bayern Munich manager has two years left on his contract which was extended after their solid performance as hosts at Euro 2024.
But Sky Germany report that after a meeting with DFB chiefs, Nagelsmann been told by the board to consider stepping down or be axed. The process is said to be independent of Klopp's potential appointment, but it would pave the way for him to return to management after two years away from the dugout
Klopp, 59, has been working as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer since January 2025. His role involves overseeing Red Bull's network of football clubs which includes RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.
This summer, Klopp has been working at the World Cup as a pundit for German broadcaster Magenta. In the aftermath of Monday's defeat, he was asked whether he'd be willing to replace Nagelsmann.
"I understand that my name is being mentioned," Klopp replied. "But this isn't the moment to talk about it - and certainly not with me."
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 29: Jurgen Klopp reacts during the penatly shoot out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay at Boston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp is open to becoming Germany's next manager(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Germany's exit means that they haven't won a knockout game at the World Cup since the 2014 final. Eight years ago in Russia, they were eliminated at the group phase under Joachim Low.
Hansi Flick's side remarkably crashed out at the same stage in 2022. Now it's Nagelsmann who's failed to change their fortunes and looks set to pay the price.
"If you exit after the first stage, it's not enough for German football," he admitted after watching his team crash out in Boston. "This is now the third elimination in a row, so we are not part of the first-class teams any more. I am disappointed."
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