Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as Germany head coach following the national team's World Cup exit to Paraguay, with Jurgen Klopp now emerging as the favourite to take over as Germany manager
06:45, 03 Jul 2026Updated 06:51, 03 Jul 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 14: Jürgen Klopp commentates with Julian Nagelsmann, Head Coach of Germany and Thomas Müller after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Curacao at Houston Stadium on June 14, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp is expected to replace Julian Nagelsmann as Germany head coach(Image: Getty Images)
Jürgen Klopp is poised to take charge of the Germany national team following reports emerging from the country that Julian Nagelsmann has stepped down from the position. Speculation surrounding Klopp's interest in the role has been mounting throughout the World Cup.
Germany suffered a shock World Cup exit, falling to Paraguay in a penalty shootout. Nagelsmann had widely been anticipated to remain at the helm through to Euro 2028, and following the tournament's disappointing conclusion, he left the decision firmly in the hands of his employers.
In a statement that has clearly changed over the last few days, Nagelsmann said: "I am available. If the DFB [German FA] wants it, then I will do the Euro 2028, and if not then they have to tell me. I'm not someone who runs away." Klopp then expressed his feelings over the role, insisting he hadn't thought about it.
It was then reported that Klopp privately harborded ambitions of taking over as Germany head coach, as he wants to experience coaching at the World Cup. Should he take over from Nagelsmann, Klopp will be tasked with rebuilding the side ahead of the 2030 World Cup, which is being played across Europe and Africa.
Klopp hasn't worked in any coaching role since leaving Liverpool in 2024, and at the time he suggested his time in the dugout was over for good.
Worn out by the strain of being head coach at Anfield, Klopp instead took a role with Red Bull to oversee the company's footballing operations, giving him the chance to take a step back from day-to-day coaching.
Julian Nagelsmann of Germany and Juergen Klopp looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay
Julian Nagelsmann has apparently quit as Germany head coach, with Jurgen Klopp primed to take over(Image: (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images))
After the defeat to Paraguay, Nagelsmann candidly acknowledged that his squad could no longer be considered among the elite sides on the world stage.
"If you are eliminated by Paraguay you are just not a first-class football team. I am very disappointed," he said.
Klopp, who has been covering the World Cup in a punditry capacity, was pressed on whether he would be prepared to step in and succeed Nagelsmann following Germany's early departure from the tournament, reports the Mirror.
"I haven't thought about that [the German head coach role] yet," Klopp said.
"I understand that when the national coach position is discussed, my name is mentioned in some form.
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"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."