The possibility of Jürgen Klopp taking over as Germany’s head coach appears to be gaining traction following Julian Nagelsmann’s decision to resign. The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed on Friday that Klopp has shown a “I’m not someone who runs away. I’m ready to carry on if the association wants that. Even if there maybe wouldn’t be that many people pleased to see me continue. If that isn’t what they want, they have to tell me. But the three men involved (Bernd Neuendorf, Rudi Völler and Andreas Rettig) have character and won’t make a snap decision in passing. Everyone knows how I work as a coach and what I stand for. I know how football works. We’ve been producing tournaments like this for some time now. There are a few things that need to change fundamentally.” to accept the role after Nagelsmann’s exit, which came just four days after Germany’s disappointing exit in the last 32 against Paraguay.
Nagelsmann, who had a contract running until 2028, chose to resign after a lengthy three-hour meeting at DFB headquarters in Frankfurt on Thursday to discuss his future. The DFB has started conversations with Klopp, previously at the helm of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, while also expressing appreciation for Nagelsmann’s nearly three-year tenure.
Currently serving as the head of global football at Red Bull, Klopp is renowned for leading Liverpool to multiple championships. Reports indicate that he has a verbal agreement allowing him to transition to the Germany position.
The resignation of Nagelsmann followed a day filled with intense negotiations, with German tabloid Bild reporting he was offered a severance package amounting to seven million euros (around $8 million), equivalent to roughly one year’s salary, to terminate his contract prematurely.
Reflecting on his decision to step down, Nagelsmann stated:
The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the success of the team. After such a bitter disappointment, it deserves the chance of a new beginning.
He further expressed his regret to Germany’s fans about the team’s early World Cup exit:
I am sorry and hurt from the bottom of my heart that we disappointed you and couldn’t give you any more football nights at this World Cup.
The DFB has indicated that discussions with Klopp will begin shortly as they aim to fill the coaching position. In a statement, DFB President Bernd Neuendorf expressed gratitude for Nagelsmann’s contributions:
The German Football Association expressly thanks Julian Nagelsmann for his work since September 2023. He is characterised by a high level of commitment and extraordinary ambition. Julian Nagelsmann is also an extremely responsible and sincere person whom we all value.
Although Nagelsmann was reportedly open to continuing if the DFB desired, the negotiations did not go as hoped:
I’m not someone who runs away. I’m ready to carry on if the association wants that. Even if there maybe wouldn’t be that many people pleased to see me continue. If that isn’t what they want, they have to tell me. But the three men involved have character and won’t make a snap decision in passing.
The four-time World Cup champions have encountered a significant decline in performance since their victory in Brazil, with the following results:
- 2018 – Group stage exit
- 2022 – Group stage exit
- 2026 – Last 32 exit
In addition to a round of 16 elimination at the 2020 Euros and a quarter-final exit in the 2024 Euros, the team’s recent performances starkly contrast its historically dominant past.
In a separate match, Portugal secured victory against Croatia following a controversial VAR decision. FIFA confirmed that a late equalizer from Croatia was correctly ruled out for offside thanks to technology integrated into the World Cup ball. This ruling ultimately led to Portugal progressing to the next round, while Croatia’s aspirations were dashed.
I’d love to compare Macclesfield to the European champions.
See if you can beat my score of 14/15 here. It’s almost as if we have to keep up with sports news on the desk at the Guardian.
Georgia Stanway has officially made her return to the Women’s Super League, having joined Arsenal after four successful years with Bayern Munich, during which she won eight trophies.
Stanway left Bayern Munich at the end of the season and spent four years with the Frauen-Bundesliga side, winning eight trophies and featuring 128 times. She began her career with Blackburn before joining Manchester City in summer 2015, where she made 186 appearances and scored 67 goals in seven seasons, lifting one Women’s Super League title, three FA Cups and three League Cups.
Meanwhile, Massimiliano Allegri has been appointed as Napoli’s coach following the departure of Antonio Conte. Allegri has signed a three-year contract after a disappointing season at Milan.
In other news, Riyad Mahrez announced his retirement from international football after Algeria’s exit from the World Cup, expressing immense pride in having represented his country.
This tournament featured an unprecedented four disallowed goals in a single match, with Croatia experiencing three goals ruled out and Ronaldo also having one overturned.
Good morning, football fans. Another day of news, previews, and build-up awaits as the World Cup continues its thrilling course.
