German FA To Open Jürgen Klopp Talks After Julian Nagelsmann Exit

The German Football Association (DFB) will begin discussions with Jürgen Klopp over becoming Germany's next head coach after confirming Julian Nagelsmann's departure following the national team's disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign.

The DFB announced on Friday that its corporate representatives and the supervisory board had unanimously agreed, on the recommendation of president Bernd Neuendorf, to terminate Nagelsmann's contract with immediate effect.

The decision came after Nagelsmann himself requested to be released from his duties during a confidential meeting with federation officials following Germany's Round of 32 elimination at the 2026 World Cup.

The 38-year-old, who had been under contract until the 2028 European Championship, said stepping aside was in the best interests of the national team.

"In recent days, following our exit, I have thought a great deal and spoken with trusted people in my personal circle and within the association," Nagelsmann said.

"This decision has not been an easy one for me at all. My primary objective has always been the success of the team. After such a painful disappointment, the team deserves the opportunity for a true new start."

Nagelsmann also thanked his coaching staff, the DFB employees and his players, describing their relationship as one built on trust throughout his tenure.

He reserved special praise for Germany's supporters, adding: "A special thank you also goes to the fans. You carried us along; you believed in us; you gave us energy, even in difficult periods."

DFB president Bernd Neuendorf paid tribute to Nagelsmann's commitment since taking charge in September 2023.

"The German Football Association would like to expressly thank Julian Nagelsmann for the work he has done since September 2023," Neuendorf said.

"He personified a high level of commitment and exceptional ambition. Julian Nagelsmann is also an extremely conscientious and sincere person whom we all hold in high regard."

Sporting director Rudi Völler also praised the departing coach, saying his decision reflected his commitment to the national team rather than personal interests.

"Following what was a disappointing World Cup exit for absolutely everyone, Julian's decision commands our respect," Völler said.

"He is taking responsibility even where he would have preferred to continue shaping the team, and he is placing the national team above his own interests."

Völler added that although Germany had not met expectations, he remained convinced Nagelsmann would enjoy further success in management.

"Julian is and remains an excellent coach, and I am convinced he will continue to be successful in his career. I am sincerely grateful to him for the trusting and good-humoured collaboration that we enjoyed."

Nagelsmann's assistants, Benjamin Glück and Benjamin Hübner, will also leave their positions as part of the coaching staff reshuffle.

Attention now turns to the search for Germany's next head coach. The DFB confirmed it will seek talks with former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager Jürgen Klopp, who has already indicated a general willingness to take charge of the national team should the opportunity arise.

Klopp, currently Red Bull's Global Head of Soccer, has long been considered as the federation's preferred candidate to oversee Germany's next chapter after another disappointing major tournament.

The DFB also confirmed another senior departure, with managing director for sport Andreas Rettig informing the board that he will not renew his contract when it expires at the end of the year. Rettig had communicated his decision to Neuendorf before the start of this summer's World Cup, citing personal reasons.

With Nagelsmann's departure now official, Germany's focus quickly shifts to appointing a successor capable of restoring one of international football's traditional powerhouses ahead of the next major tournament.