The unthinkable has happened in German football – a nation that once reigned supreme on the global stage now staring into the abyss. Julian Nagelsmann's resignation as head coach of Germany is the ultimate symptom of a team in crisis, a bitter pill to swallow after their unceremonious exit from the World Cup at the hands of Paraguay in the last-32 stage. It was meant to be a tournament where the four-time world champions would reign supreme once more, but instead, they've been left with egg on their faces, their reputation tarnished by a penalty shootout defeat that marked their first-ever shootout loss in the competition.
Nagelsmann, who was appointed just over two years ago, had initially hinted at staying on if the German Football Association (DFB) wanted him to. But it seems his fate was sealed when the DFB confirmed they'd requested him to step down – a decision that's been met with gratitude for his commitment and ambition by DFB President Bernd Neuendorf.
And now, in a move that's sent shockwaves throughout the football world, the DFB have announced plans to speak with none other than Jürgen Klopp about taking over as national team manager. The man who once masterminded Liverpool's success is currently at Red Bull, but it seems his services may soon be called upon to revive Germany's fortunes – and he's already shown a willingness to listen, having previously expressed a desire to return to the national scene.
Klopp has been Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer since January 2025, overseeing clubs like RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg. But with his contract including a clause that would permit him to leave if the German national team manager position became available, it looks like he might just be tempted back into the hot seat – especially given his statement after Germany's World Cup exit that it was 'not the right time' to discuss his future.
Nagelsmann himself has spoken out about his decision to resign, stating that it wasn't an easy one for him to make. He said his top priority had always been the success of the team – and now he's handed them a chance to start anew after their quarter-final exit at Euro 2024 at the hands of eventual winners Spain.
The DFB's pursuit of Klopp is a clear signal that they're ready to take drastic action in an attempt to rebuild and restore Germany to their former glory. But can they really rely on him to do the trick? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – it's going to be an interesting few weeks in German football.