There are reports that Jürgen Klopp would be willing to take on the role of national coach if the German Football Association (DFB) approaches him following the disappointing performance at the 2026 World Cup. Sky is reporting this development.
Discussions are reportedly underway within the DFB regarding the dismissal of current national coach Julian Nagelsmann. Support for Nagelsmann is said to be waning within the DFB presidium after the team’s exit in the World Cup Round of 16 against the underdog Paraguay (4-5 on penalties).
The 38-year-old’s contract is valid until after Euro 2028. Nagelsmann had ruled out resignation after the surprising defeat to Paraguay, stating, «I am ready if they want me, and if they don’t want me, they have to tell me,» as the DFB coach explained to MagentaTV.
The day after Germany’s third consecutive early World Cup exit, the DFB abruptly canceled a press conference that had been scheduled before their departure from the USA. Instead, a statement was issued by DFB President Bernd Neuendorf, confirming a preliminary exploratory discussion held the previous evening involving himself, Nagelsmann, DFB Sporting Director Rudi Völler, and CEO Andreas Rettig.
«We cannot and do not want to simply move on after such a setback, given the upcoming tasks,» Neuendorf announced, hinting at consequences without providing specifics. A comprehensive analysis of the tournament is planned for the coming days, after which a decision is expected regarding whether to continue with Nagelsmann or appoint a new national coach.
Nagelsmann’s Successor as National Coach? Klopp Remains Deliberately Reserved
Klopp himself, who was working as a TV expert for MagentaTV at the World Cup, deliberately held back when asked about his ambitions for the national coach position after Germany’s elimination. «I understand that my name is mentioned in some way in this context. But it is not the time to really talk about it,» said the 59-year-old, emphasizing, «I have a job that I enjoy very much.»
Klopp had repeatedly questioned whether he was even interested in returning to coaching around his departure from Liverpool in the summer of 2024. Since early 2025, he has been working as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull, which involves him with RB Leipzig, among other roles. His contract for this position runs for approximately another three and a half years, until the end of 2029.
At the start of the World Cup, Klopp made headlines with a humorous exchange with fellow expert and DFB and Bayern icon Thomas Müller. During discussions about the German lineup, Klopp quipped to Müller on the sidelines of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa (2-0) for MagentaTV: «Completely surprisingly, Thomas doesn’t hold back his opinion – and luckily Julian Nagelsmann picks the team. For now,» Klopp joked, clearly ironically alluding to a potential national coach Thomas Müller. Müller, laughing, replied: «Kloppo, it’s only June, you’re already in September.»
Because Klopp, who is considered by many experts to be the ideal national coach, was involved, both were subsequently accused of disrespect towards Nagelsmann in many quarters. After Germany’s 7-1 opening victory at the World Cup against Curaçao, Klopp apologized to the DFB coach: «I have already found the buzzword of my year: it’s ‘for now.’ I could have slapped myself for it, but it was too late and I was on television. It slipped out flippantly and has no relevance whatsoever. I’m turning 59 the day after tomorrow – and I’m still an idiot,» he said at the end of the post-match interview with Nagelsmann.
DFB Team Experiences Another World Cup Fiasco: Mats Hummels Demands Consequences
Klopp has been repeatedly linked with the national coach job in the past. Just at the end of May, his former protégé at Dortmund, Marco Reus, told Sports Illustrated Deutschland: «We have an excellent coach in Julian Nagelsmann for this position. Nevertheless, I believe that Kloppo, with his style and abilities, would be an excellent national coach. And I am convinced that he will become one someday.»
Mats Hummels, who achieved great success under Klopp at BVB, at least initiated a debate about Nagelsmann after the exit against Paraguay: «On the side of responsibility, this somehow calls for consequences. I can’t say it any other way,» said the 2014 World Champion, also an expert for MagentaTV.
Nagelsmann took over the DFB team in September 2023, shortly after Hansi Flick had been dismissed. After a difficult start with two bitter friendly defeats against Turkey and Austria in November 2023, Nagelsmann managed to generate some euphoria around the national team again in the run-up to the home Euro 2024.
Germany reached the quarterfinals of the most recent European Championship under him, being very unfortunately eliminated there against eventual champions Spain. However, the positive development only continued to a limited extent after the home tournament; in 2025, there were setbacks such as the disappointing Nations League Final Four on home soil or the crushing defeat in Slovakia at the start of World Cup qualification.
The Nagelsmann-led team eventually secured a direct ticket to the finals in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. However, Germany was far from its stated goal of competing for the World Cup title. Against a passionately defending but completely limited Paraguay, the DFB team appeared devoid of ideas for long stretches in the first knockout round and were embarrassingly defeated in a penalty shootout. «I’m a bit speechless. My second World Cup, twice messed up. I can only say sorry. We are all naturally disappointed, we had big plans,» stated a sobering Kai Havertz.
Whether with or without Nagelsmann on the coaching bench, the next tasks await the DFB team at the end of September. To start the new Nations League season, Germany will first play away against the Netherlands and then face Greece in Augsburg a few days later. Another opponent in Group 2 of League A is Serbia.