Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as Germany coach after the team’s World Cup exit against Paraguay, with Klopp emerging as the leading figure in the federation’s next step.
The national soccer federation said it planned to speak with Klopp and that he had already indicated a general willingness to take the job. Klopp is currently head of global soccer for Red Bull.
Nagelsmann had initially indicated he would remain in charge, with his contract running through Euro 2028. He changed course after talks with federation officials and after criticism of Germany’s tactics and selection at the tournament.
In a statement, Nagelsmann said he had reflected after Germany’s elimination and spoken with trusted people privately and at the federation. He called the decision extremely difficult and said his priority had always been the team’s success, adding that the squad deserved a fresh start after the disappointment.
Germany’s loss to Paraguay in the round of 32 followed group-stage exits at the World Cup in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022. Germany has not won a men’s World Cup knockout match since beating Argentina in the 2014 final.
Klopp had been visible at the World Cup as a German TV pundit, including pitchside interviews with Nagelsmann. After Germany went out, he told Magenta TV that he had not thought about the job and that it was not the moment to discuss it.
Nagelsmann, 38, had been Germany coach since 2023. Initially appointed before Germany hosted Euro 2024, he stayed on after a quarterfinal defeat to eventual champion Spain and later had his deal extended through Euro 2028.
Selection questions followed him through the World Cup. Leroy Sane continued to start on the wing, Joshua Kimmich was used at right-back rather than in his usual Bayern Munich midfield role, and Waldemar Anton covered that position in the latter stages against Paraguay. Nick Woltemade played throughout qualifying but remained on the bench at the World Cup until late in the round of 32 match.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s spokesperson, Stefan Kornelius, said the chancellor thanked Nagelsmann for his commitment and service as national team coach.
Nagelsmann joins a growing list of coaches to leave after early World Cup exits. Ronald Koeman left the Netherlands after a penalty loss, while Coaches for Ecuador, South Korea, Scotland and the Czech Republic have also departed. Marcelo Bielsa had already been planning to step down as Uruguay coach before Uruguay’s group-stage elimination.
Germany’s next scheduled match is Sept. 24 in the Nations League against the Netherlands.