In the wake of Germany’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Jurgen Klopp has reportedly emerged as a leading candidate to become the country’s national team head coach.
Julian Nagelsmann, who has been in charge since 2023, has yet to be dismissed by the German Football Association, but his position looks untenable following their shock defeat to Paraguay in the round of 32.
Thanks for the submission!
According to talkSPORT, Klopp has been contacted for the head coach role by several senior figures in the DFB, with the country’s football federation considering whether to retain Nagelsmann or go in a different direction.
Klopp has been out of management since stepping down as Liverpool boss in May 2024. He currently holds the role of the head of global soccer for the Red Bull group.
Since winning the FIFA World Cup in 2014, Germany have endured disappointing campaigns in the subsequent editions of the quadrennial tournament. They crashed out in the group stage in both the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup. Their 4-3 penalty to Paraguay marked the first time they had lost a shoot-out at the tournament.
The report was corroborated by The Times’ Paul Joyce, who said Klopp would be a ‘popular choice’ for Germany, with suggestions of a clause in his deal with Red Bull which would allow his release to take the job. Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano also reported the same, saying Klopp would be open for the job should Germany decide to sack Nagelsmann.
Nagelsmann, meanwhile, vowed to stay in the role if the DFB wanted him to continue immediately after the game against Paraguay. The former Bayern Munich boss is contracted with Die Mannschaft until 2028.
Klopp plays down talks of becoming Germany head coach after FIFA World Cup exit
Amid reports that he could replace Nagelsmann, Klopp downplayed speculation that he could take over the reins, saying he has a job.
After Germany’s FIFA World Cup defeat to Paraguay, Klopp was asked what would have to happen for him to consider the job.
“I haven’t thought about that yet,” the former Liverpool boss said. “I’ve often been in that situation myself as a coach, where a big dream has been shattered. I understand that when people talk about the national coach, my name is mentioned. But it’s not the right moment to talk about it, especially not with me.
“I have a job that I really enjoy. And as far as I know, it’s not a part-time job. The fact is, Germany was eliminated today, and this is not the moment for me to think about Jurgen Klopp’s future.”
Klopp, 59, has managed three teams so far in his managerial career, but most of his success came during his time at Liverpool.
Edited by Ezekiel Olamide