Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann out as Jürgen Klopp eyes vacancy
Julian Nagelsmann has officially resigned as Germany manager following the team's World Cup elimination. The DFB has confirmed it will initiate discussions with Jürgen Klopp to fill the vacancy.
Julian Nagelsmann has officially resigned as manager of the Germany men’s national team. His departure, confirmed on Friday, 3 July 2026, concludes a tenure that began in September 2023. The 38-year-old manager’s exit follows Germany’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 32, where the team suffered a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay after a 1-1 draw. This loss marked Germany’s first-ever World Cup penalty shootout defeat.
The German Football Association (DFB) has confirmed it will initiate formal discussions with Jürgen Klopp to fill the vacancy. According to the DFB, the former Liverpool manager has already signaled a general willingness to assume the role. Klopp currently serves as the Head of Global Football for the Red Bull Group, a position he has held since January 2025. Reports indicate that his contract includes an exit clause specifically allowing him to leave for the national team position.
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Transition in Leadership
Nagelsmann’s departure follows internal discussions within the federation regarding performance standards. Although Nagelsmann initially stated after the match that he was not someone who would "run away," he later signaled a change in his position. In a formal statement released on Friday, he expressed that his priority remained the team's success, stating:
"After such a bitter disappointment, they deserve the chance for a fresh start."
Julian Nagelsmann, outgoing manager, via DFB
Nagelsmann further remarked on the nature of his decision, noting,
"The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the team’s success. I want to thank my coaching staff, the support team, and everyone at the federation who supported us, especially the players with whom I had the privilege of working. A special thank you also goes to the fans. You carried us, you trusted us, you gave us energy, even during difficult times. It truly pains me that we disappointed you and couldn’t give you any more memorable nights of football at this World Cup. You deserved so much more!"
Julian Nagelsmann, outgoing manager, via DFB
The DFB confirmed that sporting director Andreas Rettig will not extend his contract, which is set to expire at the end of the year. The departures of Nagelsmann’s assistants, Benjamin Gluck and Benjamin Hubner, were also confirmed.
Context of the Coaching Change
Since winning the 2014 World Cup, the national team has faced early exits, including group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022. Nagelsmann’s recent tournament experience included a quarter-final exit at Euro 2024, where the team lost to eventual champions Spain.
Should the appointment be finalized, Klopp’s immediate focus will be the qualification process for the 2028 European Championship, which is scheduled to begin in March 2027.
Summary of Recent Developments
- Managerial Resignation: Julian Nagelsmann officially vacated his post on 3 July 2026.
- Succession Plans: The DFB is pursuing negotiations with Jürgen Klopp, who has expressed an initial willingness to take the role.
- Administrative Turnover: Sporting director Andreas Rettig confirmed he will depart the federation at the conclusion of his contract later this year.
- Player Retirement: Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer confirmed his retirement from international football following the loss to Paraguay.
