Former Borussia Dortmund Coach and Players React Following Germany's Shock 2026 FIFA World Cup Exit

Germany went into this Round of 32 tie as the overwhelming favourites to progress into the next round. They faced a Paraguay side that, while defensively solid, especially after their 4-1 defeat to the USA in their opening group game, really struggled to score goals in the group stages.

So, everyone expected that Germany would put Paraguay under huge pressure and eventually find the one goal they needed to progress. 

What actually happened was far from that because while Germany dominated possession throughout the game, it was Paraguay who hit the front first, opening the scoring via a Julio Enciso header in the 42nd minute. 

Then Germany would eventually find the equaliser through a Kai Havertz header just before the hour mark, giving Germany at least 30 minutes of normal time to find a winner and avoid extra time.

But a breakthrough couldn't be found in the remaining 30 minutes, and the game went to extra time. Then, in the 103rd minute, Germany believed they had found a winner through a towering Jonathan Tah header.

But controversially, it was ruled out after it was deemed that Borussia Dortmund's Waldemar Anton blocked the goalkeeper Orlando Gill from getting to the cross.

Germany pushed and pushed but couldn't find a way through. The game went to penalties, and despite Paraguay missing two penalties themselves, it was Germany who would miss one too many as Paraguay would win the contest 4-3 on penalties.

The Former Borussia Dortmund Manager, who has been working for Magenta TV, a German broadcaster, throughout the tournament, had this to say when asked about whether he could see himself take over from Julian Nagelsmann as German National Team Manager, 

“I haven't thought about that yet. I understand that my name is being mentioned now. But it's not the time to talk about that.” 

Now, many have highlighted that this comment is not a definitive answer, and it certainly doesn't rule out the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager taking over from Julian Nagelsmann.

He also commented on the controversial foul that ruled out Jonathan Tah’s potential winner: “If that’s a foul, then Arsenal wouldn’t be Premier League champions. They scored 60% of their goals like that”.

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Speaking of Julian Nagelsmann, he was also asked about his future after the game, stating, "I am not someone who runs away”. 

He then added, “This is not the first time this has happened, and there are some things about today that need to be changed. 

But if the DFB wants me to continue, I am going to continue. I know the mechanics of football. I know how the industry works. I know a lot of people will want me to leave, but I would love to continue if the DFB wants me to.”

So Julian Nagelsmann's stance is also made very clear; he wishes to continue and hopes he is allowed to do so.

Furthermore, ex-Borussia Dortmund player Mats Hummels was a lot more scathing in his response to this defeat, stating, “There are clear calls for consequences from those in charge," suggesting that people in charge, including Julian Nagelsmann and people within the German Football Association (DFB), should face “consequences” for last night's humiliating defeat.

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It would seem that Julian Nagelsmann's job is hanging by a thread. Germany as a national team has far higher expectations than to be eliminated at this stage of the competition, especially given the on-paper quality of the opponent.

So if Julian Nagelsmann is relieved of his duties, I would strongly suggest former Borussia Dortmund man Jurgen Klopp emerges as the favourite for the job. The question is, would he take it?