Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as Germany head coach following crisis talks with the German Football Association (DFB), ending his three-year tenure in the wake of the national team’s elimination from the World Cup.
The 38-year-old officially vacated the role on Friday after Germany suffered a shock Round of 32 defeat against Paraguay. The result triggered urgent discussions within the federation, with president Bernd Neuendorf, vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke, sporting director Rudi Völler and managing director Andreas Rettig meeting Nagelsmann for three hours on Thursday.
According to reports, the DFB urged the coach to resign during the talks rather than face dismissal. His contract, which was due to run until after the European Championship in 2028, contained a termination clause that would have cost the federation approximately €7 million in compensation had they been forced to activate it. By resigning, Nagelsmann avoids the stigma of being sacked while saving the DFB significant expense.
DFB praise ‘responsible’ departure
Völler, who had previously been a key supporter within the hierarchy, thanked Nagelsmann for prioritising the national team’s interests. “After the World Cup exit, which was deeply disappointing for everyone without exception, Julian’s decision deserves our respect,” Völler said. “He is taking responsibility, even though he would have preferred to continue shaping and developing the team, and he is putting the national team as a whole above his own personal interests.”
Völler added: “Julian is, and will remain, an outstanding coach, and I am convinced that he will continue on his path successfully.”
Neuendorf also praised Nagelsmann’s contribution since his appointment in September 2023, stating: “The German football federation would like to express its sincere appreciation to Julian Nagelsmann for the work he has done since September 2023. He is distinguished by his tremendous dedication and exceptional ambition. Moreover, Julian Nagelsmann is an extremely responsible and sincere person who is highly appreciated by all of us.”
Klopp poised to take charge
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has emerged as the DFB’s preferred candidate to replace Nagelsmann. The 57-year-old reportedly holds a verbal release clause in his RB Leipzig contract that would permit him to take the Germany job.
The federation has explicitly ruled out approaching Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola or Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick, despite the latter having previously expressed interest in the position through his role as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer.
An official announcement confirming Nagelsmann’s departure and clarifying the succession plans is expected shortly as the DFB moves quickly to install new leadership ahead of the next international cycle.