Germany’s coaching crisis pushes DFB to court Jürgen Klopp

Germany’s search for a new coach intensifies after Julian Nagelsmann resigned, following the four‑time champions’ penalty‑shootout defeat to Paraguay, which marked their first shootout loss at a World Cup and continued a knockout‑game drought since 2014; the DFB now eyes Jürgen Klopp as a replacement. Julian Nagelsmann stepped down after Germany were eliminated by Paraguay in a penalty shootout, their first such defeat at a World Cup. The loss extended Germany’s inability to win a knockout match since their 2014 triumph. Earlier in the tournament, Nagelsmann’s side had thrashed Curacao 7‑1 before showing a lackluster performance against Ivory Coast and a defeat to Ecuador. The German Football Association confirmed that it will now seek talks with Jürgen Klopp regarding the vacant national‑team job. In its release the DFB said Klopp has already signaled a general willingness to take on the position. Klopp replied to the speculation by expressing interest and noting that only “time” is needed before an agreement can be reached, as quoted by Germany. He currently serves as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer, a role he has held since January 2025, overseeing clubs such as RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg and the New York Red Bulls.

Nagelsmann quits after Paraguay loss, Klopp in line for Germany job

A clause in Klopp’s Red Bull contract reportedly allows him to depart if the German manager role becomes available, but he emphasised his desire to honour existing agreements. He said, “I have an existing contract with Red Bull. I like to honour contracts. But I am interested in having talks. They will have to be intensive talks.” Klopp added that he must also discuss the matter with his boss Oliver Mintzlaff, who “cares deeply about German football”. He warned that Red Bull needs to exit the situation cleanly and that stepping away would not be straightforward.

Nagelsmann quits after World Cup exit, Klopp eyed as Germany boss

Klopp stressed that Germany’s current difficulties are not tied to Julian Nagelsmann personally, describing the nation as at a “turning point”. He argued, “We now need to fundamentally change things. Whether it will ultimately be me or whoever else it is, that changes nothing about the fact that the changes are necessary.” Intensive negotiations between the DFB and Klopp are expected to follow, with the contract clause likely shaping the timeline. The outcome will determine whether Germany can reset its course ahead of future international competitions.