Nagelsmann steps down after Paraguay defeat
Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as Germany's national team manager following their humiliating last-32 exit from the World Cup at the hands of Paraguay. The 38-year-old coach, who was under contract until the 2028 European Championship, accepted the German Football Federation's (DFB) request to step down, according to reports from Bild and Sky Germany.
It was revealed on Thursday that the DFB had given Nagelsmann an ultimatum: resign or be sacked, in response to the shocking defeat. A confidential three-hour meeting at DFB headquarters in Frankfurt convinced Nagelsmann to leave his post, Bild reports.
Meeting with DFB officials
During the meeting, Nagelsmann presented his explanations for the catastrophic exit but failed to impress senior figures, including national team director Rudi Völler. The DFB's leadership was unconvinced by his reasoning, leading to his departure.
Nagelsmann will receive approximately £5 million in compensation for leaving voluntarily, rather than being dismissed. This payout is part of the agreement to avoid a formal sacking.
Nagelsmann's initial stance
After the Paraguay match, Nagelsmann had expressed a desire to continue. “I am not someone who runs away,” he said. “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 football association wants me to.”
Despite his words, the DFB's decision was final, and Nagelsmann's resignation has now been confirmed.
Klopp emerges as favourite
Nagelsmann's departure opens the door for former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who is widely believed to be the DFB's preferred candidate to take over. Klopp, currently without a club after leaving Liverpool, has long been linked with the Germany job and could now step in to lead the national team through a rebuilding phase.
