Nagelsmann resigns, DFB in talks with Klopp after World Cup exit

Nagelsmann resigns after World Cup exit

Julian Nagelsmann has stepped down as Germany head coach. The decision came Friday, days after the penalty shootout loss to Paraguay in the Round of 32 (1) (2) (6). "After such a painful disappointment, the team deserves the opportunity for a true new start," Nagelsmann said in his statement. He thanked the players, his staff, and the fans, and admitted the team let them down: "You deserved far more" (1).

Germany 1–1 Paraguay, out on penalties

The World Cup ended on Monday in Foxborough. Germany 1–1 Paraguay after extra time, then lost the shootout. Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah were among those who took the pitch, but the round-of-32 opponent proved too stubborn (2) (3). Nagelsmann's exit is the direct fallout.

The DFB wants Klopp, and Klopp is ready

The German FA has already named its target: Jürgen Klopp. Multiple reports confirm the DFB is in discussions with the former Liverpool manager, and Klopp is prepared to accept the job (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6). It would be a seismic appointment, Klopp returning to the dugout for the national team, less than a year after leaving Anfield.

Fan reactions

The mood online is a strange mix of deflation and hope. Few fans are mourning Nagelsmann's exit, most seem to have seen it coming, but the Klopp talk has lit something. A highly upvoted thread on r/soccer captures the energy: one fan called it "the most obvious appointment in football history" (1). Over on r/LiverpoolFC, the sentiment is bittersweet, Klopp returning to management, but not for Liverpool. Another thread on r/soccer simply reads: "Nagelsmann was never the problem, but Klopp is Klopp" (2). See the full discussion.