Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is open to becoming Germany’s next manager amid intense speculation over Julian Nagelsmann’s future. Germany were dumped out of the World Cup on Monday after suffering a shock defeat at the hands of Paraguay in the round of 32.
The four-time winners lost on penalties, although they had a potential winning goal controversially ruled out in extra-time. Nagelsmann, 38, has insisted that he won’t resign and has a contract until the next European Championship in 2028, co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
But there’s clamour for Klopp to take over, with reports stating that he’s been sounded out. The 59-year-old hasn’t coached since leaving Liverpool in May 2024, a decision which he took after admitting that he didn’t have the ‘energy’ to continue with the day-to-day challenges that come with being a Premier League manager.
The Telegraph are reporting that Klopp is open to replacing Nagelsmann if the German FA (DFB) pull the trigger. It’s claimed that one of Klopp’s remaining ambitions in football is to manage at a World Cup.
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However, the report adds that any agreement between Klopp and the DFB would come with a caveat. The ex-Borussia Dortmund and Mainz boss is unlikely to want to spend every weekend sitting in the stands and watching players at club level.
In January 2025, Klopp began work as Red Bull‘s Head of Global Soccer. He oversees the Red Bull network of football clubs which includes RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.
Klopp has been working at this summer’s World Cup as a pundit for German broadcaster Magenta, who asked him about his stance in the wake of his country’s exit. “I understand that my name is being mentioned,” he replied. “But this isn’t the moment to talk about it – and certainly not with me.”
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View 2 ImagesJulian Nagelsmann is under pressure after Germany’s loss against Paraguay(Image: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Klopp would be tasked with returning Germany to their former glories. After winning the World Cup in Brazil eight years ago, they’ve been eliminated at the group stage twice and now at the round of 32.
“If you exit after the first stage, it’s not enough for German football,” Nagelsmann admitted. “This is now the third elimination in a row so we are not part of the first class teams any more. I am disappointed.”
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