Nagelsmann quits as Germany coach after World Cup exit: Reports

Germany's national football coach, Julian Nagelsmann, has reportedly resigned from his position after the team's unexpected elimination from the World Cup. Reports from German media outlets Bild and Sky Germany on Friday indicated that Nagelsmann, whose contract was set to run until the 2028 European Championship, has agreed to the German Football Federation's (DFB) request for him to step down. This departure opens the door for former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who is rumored to be the federation's top choice to take over the reins. Klopp, who concluded a highly successful tenure at Liverpool in 2024, winning both the Champions League and the Premier League, is currently the global head of football for Red Bull. However, he is believed to possess a release clause that could permit him to accept the Germany coaching role. The 59-year-old remains a popular figure in Germany and has been providing commentary as a pundit during the World Cup coverage on German television. Nagelsmann, 38, reportedly met with DFB officials for three hours on Thursday. During this meeting, he was allegedly offered a severance package of approximately seven million euros (US$8 million), equivalent to about one year's salary, to facilitate his departure. If confirmed, Nagelsmann would become only the second national coach in German history to be dismissed, following his predecessor Hansi Flick, who was sacked in 2023. Germany's World Cup campaign ended abruptly with a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay in Boston on Monday, after the match concluded 1-1 in extra time. This marked the first time the German team had lost a penalty shootout in the World Cup. The four-time World Cup champions have experienced early exits in recent tournaments, including the group stage in Russia 2018 and Qatar four years prior. They have not secured a knockout match victory or a clean sheet in the tournament since their 2014 World Cup final win.