FIFA World Cup
Klopp prepared to be Germany's next coach
Jurgen Klopp is expected to become Germany's new head coach, with Julian Nagelsmann stepping down after its 2026 FIFA World Cup elimination.… Show More
Jurgen Klopp is expected to become Germany's new head coach, with Julian Nagelsmann stepping down after its 2026 FIFA World Cup elimination.
Klopp is set for talks with the German Football Federation (DFB) after indicating his willingness to take the job.
After back-to-back group-stage exits at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, Germany suffered another humiliating FIFA World Cup elimination during the week.
It was beaten on penalties by Paraguay after its Round of 32 tie finished 1-1 after extra-time, with Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah all failing from the spot.
It was Germany's first shootout defeat at a FIFA World Cup, having won each of its previous four, and its first at any major tournament since going down to Czechoslovakia in the final of UEFA Euro 1976.
After Germany's loss, speculation immediately suggested that Nagelsmann was unlikely to continue, even if he initially outlined his determination to stay on.
Klopp has been touted as his most likely successor, having taken a break from coaching after his resignation from Liverpool in 2024.
The DFB has already confirmed that Klopp is interested in the role.
"Regarding the appointment of a successor, the DFB leadership will now seek talks with Jurgen Klopp, who has already indicated his general willingness to take on the role," a statement from the governing body read.
On Friday, Klopp confirmed the DFB interest and said there would be intensive talks but feels he is up to the task.
"I have a full tank and am ready," Klopp told broadcaster Magenta.
"Things moved pretty quickly. Julian stepped down. The DFB are looking for a successor and they approached me.
"There will have to be intensive discussions, because the problems we have are not Julian Nagelsmann.
"That is why we simply have to wait and see how those discussions unfold. I also need to have discussions with my employer," he said. "I've been there 19 months."
Klopp won the Premier League and UEFA Champions League trophies during his nine-year stint with Liverpool, in addition to the FA Cup, two Carabao Cups, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
He has served as the head of global football for the Red Bull Group since October 2024, although his contract is widely believed to have an exit clause specifically allowing him to take the Germany job.
Nagelsmann's exit was made official on Friday, and the 38-year-old said: "In recent days, following our exit, I have thought a great deal and spoken with trusted people in my personal circle and within the association.
"This decision has not been an easy one for me at all. My primary objective has always been the success of the team.
"After such a painful disappointment, the team deserves the opportunity for a true new start.
"I would like to thank my coaching team, the staff, and everyone within the association who supported us, and in particular the players, with whom I was able to work in such a trusting manner.
"A special thank you also goes to the fans. You carried us along, you believed in us, you gave us energy, even in difficult periods.
"It deeply saddens me that we have disappointed you and that we were unable to give you more nights of football at this World Cup. You deserved far more."
Nagelsmann led Germany to the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2024 on home soil, where it initially impressed before losing to eventual winner Spain in extra-time.
