Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly set to leave his role as Germany head coach after making a dramatic U-turn on his future following the country's shock FIFA World Cup 2026 exit.
Just days after insisting he was "not someone who runs away" and that he wanted to continue if the German Football Association (DFB) retained its faith in him, multiple reports in Germany now claim the 38-year-old has agreed to step down after holding talks with federation officials on Thursday.
While the DFB is yet to officially confirm the decision, attention has already turned towards former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who is widely reported to be the federation's preferred successor.
Nagelsmann Reverses Decision After DFB Talks
Following the defeat to Paraguay, Nagelsmann publicly insisted he had no intention of walking away.
"I am not someone who runs away," the 38-year-old said after the match.
He added that he would continue if the DFB wanted him to remain in charge despite mounting criticism following another disappointing tournament.
Reports now suggest discussions with federation officials changed that position, with Nagelsmann agreeing to leave before any formal dismissal.
Should that prove accurate, he would reportedly forgo the severance package he would have received had he been sacked.
Paraguay Defeat Ends Germany's World Cup Campaign
Germany arrived at the World Cup hoping to restore their reputation after disappointing campaigns in 2018 and 2022.
Nagelsmann's side topped Group E on goal difference after victories over Curacao and Ivory Coast before suffering a narrow defeat to Ecuador.
However, their campaign ended in dramatic fashion as Paraguay stunned the four-time world champions in the Round of 32, prevailing 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time.
The defeat extended Germany's miserable recent World Cup record. Since lifting the trophy in Brazil in 2014, they have failed to win a single knockout match, suffering group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022 before this latest disappointment.
Jurgen Klopp Becomes Germany's Leading Candidate
Attention has already shifted towards one name - Jurgen Klopp.
According to reports in Germany, the former Liverpool manager would be willing to take charge of the national team if approached.
Klopp currently serves as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer but is believed to have a contractual clause allowing him to leave for the Germany job.
The 59-year-old has long been viewed as the dream appointment by many German supporters, having transformed Liverpool into Premier League and Champions League winners during his nine-year spell at Anfield.
If appointed, Klopp would inherit a talented squad still searching for consistency on football's biggest stage.
Another Rebuild Begins for Germany
Nagelsmann was appointed in September 2023 following Hansi Flick's dismissal and was tasked with rebuilding one of international football's most successful nations.
While Germany showed encouraging signs during parts of his tenure - including reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2024; the team ultimately failed to deliver when expectations were highest.
The defeat to Paraguay means Germany have now gone three consecutive World Cups without winning a knockout match, a remarkable decline for a nation that lifted the trophy as recently as 2014.
Should Nagelsmann's resignation be officially confirmed, Germany will once again find themselves searching for answers, and potentially turning to one of the country's most celebrated modern managers to provide them.
