Klopp confirms Germany talks after Nagelsmann's shock World Cup exit resignation

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he is in talks with the German Football Association (DFB) over taking charge of the national team, following Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation in the wake of Germany’s shock round-of-32 World Cup exit to Ecuador.

“Yes, I can confirm the talks. Things moved pretty quickly. Julian stepped down. The DFB are looking for a successor and they’re talking to me,” Klopp told Magenta TV while working as a pundit at the tournament. He added: “I’m [still] under contract with Red Bull. I’ve said I’m interested in the talks. They will be intensive because this isn’t only about Julian Nagelsmann.”

Nagelsmann’s departure ends a turbulent spell in charge of Die Mannschaft. His contract had been set to run until Euro 2028, but Germany’s back-to-back tournament exits — knocked out by eventual champions Spain at Euro 2024 and now eliminated in the last 32 by Ecuador — proved too damaging to survive.

The DFB confirmed Nagelsmann’s exit and indicated Klopp is their preferred successor. The 59-year-old has long been linked with the Germany job, with speculation intensifying during his final seasons at Liverpool. At Anfield, he delivered the club’s first Champions League title in over a decade and ended a 30-year wait for a Premier League crown before stepping away in May 2024.

Since leaving Liverpool, Klopp has taken on a senior role as Red Bull’s head of global soccer rather than returning to club management. His current contract with the energy drink conglomerate means any move to the Germany dugout would require a negotiated release or dual arrangement.

Should an agreement be reached, Klopp’s first match in charge would be a Nations League group-stage trip to the Netherlands in September. A successful qualification campaign could also set up a notable homecoming: Euro 2028 fixtures are scheduled to be held across the United Kingdom and Ireland, with Liverpool’s Hill Dickinson Stadium among the host venues.