The German Football Association (DFB) announced on Friday that it will target former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to replace Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned as national team head coach.
Nagelsmann stepped down following Germany's round-of-32 elimination at the World Cup, where they lost 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay.
The DFB confirmed Nagelsmann's departure alongside assistant coaches Benjamin Gluck and Benjamin Hubner in an official statement.
Germany's defeat marked the third consecutive World Cup where the team failed to reach the round-of-16 stage.
DFB Confirms Talks with Klopp
The DFB leadership disclosed that early communications indicate potential progress regarding the vacant managerial role.
"Regarding the appointment of a new coach, the DFB leadership will now seek talks with Jurgen Klopp," the statement said.
The federation further indicated that Klopp, who currently serves as Red Bull's global head of soccer, has already given a preliminary positive response.
Klopp left Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season and started his corporate role with Red Bull in January 2025.
When asked about the national coaching vacancy on Monday, Klopp told German broadcaster MagentaTV: "I haven't thought about that yet."
He emphasized his focus on his current commitment, saying: "But it's not the moment to really talk about it.
There's nothing to say about it. I have a job that I enjoy very much.
As far as I know, it's not a part-time job."
Nagelsmann, who signed a contract extension in January 2025 through the 2028 European Championship, initially stated he would not step down but later changed his position.
"My top priority has always been the team's success," Nagelsmann said in a DFB statement.
The 38-year-old manager, who succeeded Hansi Flick in September 2023, expressed gratitude toward his staff and the federation.
"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," Nagelsmann said.
He also acknowledged the disappointment felt by German supporters: "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!"
The tournament exit represented a historic low for Germany, as the nation suffered its first-ever World Cup penalty shootout loss after winning all four previous shootouts.
Following the elimination, 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer confirmed his second and final retirement from international football after earning 128 caps.
