Jürgen Klopp gives verdict on replacing Nagelsmann as Germany manager after World Cup horror exit

Germany's shock exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 has reignited one of the country's longest-running managerial debates, with Jürgen Klopp once again emerging as the leading candidate to replace Julian Nagelsmann should the German Football Association decide to make a change.

Although Klopp has now publicly addressed the speculation, insisting it is not the right time to discuss such a move, reports suggest he remains the preferred choice of several senior figures within the DFB as scrutiny intensifies over Nagelsmann's future following Germany's earliest-ever World Cup knockout elimination.

Klopp distances himself from immediate Germany talks despite growing speculation

Germany's penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32 has inevitably shifted attention from events on the pitch to the future of Julian Nagelsmann, whose position has come under increasing pressure following another disappointing World Cup campaign. The defeat marked Germany's first-ever loss in a World Cup penalty shootout, ending a flawless record that had stretched back to 1982, while also bringing their tournament to a close at the first knockout hurdle. It followed group-stage eliminations in both 2018 and 2022, extending a worrying period for one of international football's traditional powers. Against that backdrop, former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has once again been linked with the national team job.

According to The Telegraph, Klopp would be prepared to take over if the DFB decides to part ways with Nagelsmann. Meanwhile, talkSPORT reports that Klopp has already been approached regarding the position, with several senior officials inside the German Football Association believed to favour appointing him should a managerial change be made. Klopp, however, attempted to cool the speculation when speaking on MagentaTV, where he has been working as a pundit throughout the tournament. "I haven't thought about that yet. "I understand that when the national coach position is discussed, my name is mentioned in some form. "But it's not the moment to really talk about it. There's nothing to say about it. I have a job that I enjoy very much. As far as I know, it's not a part-time job." The 58-year-old currently serves as Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull, a long-term role he has repeatedly described as a full-time commitment. Even so, reports in Germany have suggested that his contract contains an exit clause specifically allowing him to take over the Germany national team should the opportunity arise.

Nagelsmann insists he will not resign as DFB considers its next move

For now, Nagelsmann remains Germany's head coach and has made it clear he has no intention of walking away voluntarily. Following the defeat to Paraguay, which saw Germany eliminated after a 1-1 draw and a 4-3 penalty shootout loss, the 38-year-old insisted he would continue if the German Football Association wanted him to remain in charge. "I won't step down," Nagelsmann told reporters after the match. "If the DFB wants me to continue, I'll continue, but I know how the industry works. I know a lot of people will want me to leave now but I'll continue if the DFB wants me to stay. "If we were to do a survey in Germany today, the German people wouldn't speak very positively about me. We haven't done much in this tournament for people to celebrate. I know that not everyone in Germany will agree with me staying on." Nagelsmann's current contract runs until Euro 2028, having signed an extension in January 2025 after guiding Germany to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, where the hosts were eliminated after extra time by eventual champions Spain.

Before taking charge of the national team, Nagelsmann built his reputation during successful spells with Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, but his first major international tournament has ended in disappointment after Germany failed to build on an encouraging European Championship campaign.

Klopp remains the favourite if Germany decides to change direction

Although the DFB has yet to make a formal decision, speculation surrounding Klopp has only intensified in the aftermath of Germany's elimination. Several senior figures within the federation are reportedly in favour of appointing the former Liverpool manager should Nagelsmann depart, while former Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger is among the prominent voices who believe Klopp is ultimately the man most likely to succeed him.

Reports also suggest that, if appointed, Klopp would seek an arrangement that allows him greater flexibility than a traditional international manager's role, avoiding the need to spend every weekend scouting Bundesliga and overseas players throughout the club season. For now, Klopp continues to insist his focus remains on his responsibilities with Red Bull rather than the Germany job. However, with Germany facing fresh questions after another disappointing World Cup and the DFB weighing its options, his name is once again at the centre of one of the biggest managerial stories in international football.