Soon after the match, Nagelsmann faced repeated questions about his future, saying he isn’t the type to walk away, while acknowledging he may not be well liked by Germany’s supporters right now.
He added that if a poll were held today in Germany, the feedback on him would likely be negative. He felt strong backing in the stadium, but doesn’t expect the whole country to support him staying on as head coach.
He praised the German fans who attended, saying he had braced for a very different reaction but was genuinely impressed by their support even after the loss.
Nagelsmann said elimination alone won’t prompt him to quit. If the DFB wants him to continue, he will. He understands how the industry works and knows many now want him out, but he’s prepared to stay if the German FA asks.
Criticism had already been building before the Paraguay game. Klopp, speaking on German television after the Ecuador match, felt the team chose the wrong approach and style against an aggressive opponent.
Those shortcomings resurfaced against a tough, disciplined Paraguay side that sat deep, defended in numbers, and frustrated Germany.
Paraguay will face either France or Sweden in Saturday’s last-16 tie, while Germany confront another early exit.
German journalist Raphael Honigstein told BBC Radio 5 Live that, being cynical, Germany’s only “reward” would have been to be heavily beaten by France.
He said elimination can happen, but not to Paraguay at this point and in this manner—there will be fallout from this defeat.
Across the tournament as a whole, he argued, Germany simply weren’t good enough.
Too many of Nagelsmann’s big decisions didn’t come off, Honigstein added, predicting it will be very difficult for him to keep his job.