DFB share Jurgen Klopp update after Julian Nagelsmann releases painful Germany statement

Following a disastrous Round of 32 exit in the 2026 World Cup, Germany has become the latest nation to part ways with its national team coach, as Julien Nagelsmann has left his post.

A damning exit from the World Cup, losing to Paraguay on penalties, was the fourth biggest shock in the tournament's history, in terms of FIFA ranking differentials, with Germany sitting 31 nations higher on the list than the victorious South American team.

With Nagelsmann openly criticised by the media, with players dodging responsibilities and a wealth of other managerial options waiting in the wings, the German Football Association (the DFB) has agreed a severance package to remove the boss from his role.

Nagelsmann issues painful farewell as DFB 'seek' Jurgen Klopp

In a statement released today, the DFB announced the departure of Nagelsmann, as the German coach released his own heartfelt goodbye.

"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," DFB President Bernd Neuendorf said in a statement.

Nagelsmenn said that the fans 'deserved so much more,' in his own statement.

"The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the team's success. After such a bitter disappointment, they deserve the chance for a fresh start. I want to thank my coaching staff, the support team, and everyone at the federation who supported us, especially the players with whom I had the privilege of working," he said.

"A special thank you also goes to the fans. You carried us, you trusted us, you gave us energy, even during difficult times. It truly pains me that we disappointed you and couldn't give you any more memorable nights of football at this World Cup. You deserved so much more!"

Reports suggest that Nagelsmann was offered a severance package of £6 million, which is half of his outstanding salary, having been contracted to the national team until after the 2028 European Championships.

Attention is now being turned to former Liverpool, Dortmund, and Mainz boss Jurgen Klopp, who has stoked the fire into rumours of being the next national team manager during his coverage of the World Cup on German TV.

The DFB also signalled its intent.

"Regarding the appointment of a new coach, the DFB leadership will now seek talks with Jürgen Klopp. He has already signaled his general willingness to take on the position," the Federation added.

Klopp insisted that he already has a 'full-time' job, operating as Head of Football for Red Bull, suggesting that he wouldn't be able to juggle both, but reports claim that he is now ready to step back into the dugout.

Klopp and Nagelsmann even clashed on air during the tournament, with the ex-Premier League man apologising for saying that 'Luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team' - Klopp was scrutinised for his use of 'still', which suggested that Nagelsmann won't be around much longer.

A tenure to forget

Nagelsmann took over as Germany head coach in 2024 as Hansi Flick was tempted back into club football with the Barcelona job.

A subpar Euros 2024 campaign was met with elimination in the Quarter-Finals stage at the hands of eventual champions Spain, and attention was turned to the 2026 World Cup to see if he could rally a country that hadn't progressed past the first knockout round since they won the trophy in 2014.

The 38-year-old manager raised eyebrows with his squad selection, which included a surprise call-up for 40-year-old Manuel Neuer coming out of retirement, and was met with boos in the final preparation games.

Germany's World Cup campaign ended with a brutal elimination to Paraguay on penalties, leaving Joshua Kimmich to vocally rip into the squad in a candid post-match interview.

Local media piled on pressure for Nagelsmann with legends like Dietmar Hamann claiming that the Germany boss snubbed overseas players in Serie A and the Premier League as he 'doesn't watch football'.

"I've never been convinced that this is a team that's united. Obviously, it's the manager's job to get the lads united," Hamann said.

"Now, this is a guy who rarely watches games. He's never been to Milan to watch (Yann) Bisseck, a player he should have taken to the World Cup. He's never been to Brentford in two and a half years to watch Schade. He scored 10 goals last season and 10 goals the season before.

Others branded the football 'awful, slow, and boring,' criticising Nagelsmann's philosophies.

Germany would have progressed to meet France in the Round of 16, which would have been a mammoth task that Paraguay will now have to relish.