Julian Nagelsmann has reportedly stepped down as head coach of Germany following the team’s disappointing World Cup performance.
The four-time world champions faced a shocking penalty shootout loss to Paraguay after a 1-1 draw in the round of 32, which resulted in their elimination from the tournament.
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This loss marked Germany’s first-ever defeat in a World Cup shootout, preventing them from reaching the last 16 where they would have faced France.
Germany had won their group, defeating Curacao and Ivory Coast, but their performance looked shaky, particularly in the last group game against Ecuador. Nagelsmann faced criticism for including veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the squad and playing Joshua Kimmich out of his favored position.
Nagelsmann’s reign as Germany coach is said to be over (Getty)
Nagelsmann, who took over in September 2023, also experienced a quarter-final exit against Spain during Euro 2024.
Initially, he anticipated staying on until Euro 2028 and expressed a willingness to continue if the German Football Association (DFB) desired his leadership.
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After the defeat to Paraguay, he remarked, “I’m not one to run away. It’s not the first time, but this has been a recurring issue in our tournaments. There are some fundamental problems I won’t delve into right now. I’m not going to resign just because of this elimination. If the DFB wants me to continue, I’m on board; if not, they can inform me.”
However, recent reports indicate that the 38-year-old has chosen to resign from his position.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been speculated as a potential replacement ever since the team’s exit.
Klopp has been working as a pundit at the World Cup (Getty)
Klopp, currently serving as a pundit during the World Cup, remarked post-match that it wasn’t the appropriate time to discuss his coaching future, saying, “I understand that my name comes up when people talk about the national coach, but now is not the moment to address it, especially not through me.”