Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann wants to stay on despite World Cup fiasco
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Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann gives instructions to players before the penalty shoot-out.
FOXBOROUGH – Julian Nagelsmann wants to remain in charge of Germany despite their shock World Cup exit on penalties to outsiders Paraguay in the round of 32 on June 29 – amid the massive plea on social media for Jurgen Klopp to take over the hot seat.
The 38-year-old Nagelsmann, who was appointed in 2023, saw his team crash out early for a third straight World Cup after group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022, putting his future in doubt.
He had repeatedly said before the tournament that Germany were aiming to restore their international reputation by winning a fifth world crown, a statement seen by many back home as overly optimistic.
Instead, he is more likely to face an uphill battle to hold on to his job after a woeful maiden World Cup.
“This is no longer in my hands but I am ready if they want,” Nagelsmann said of his future, having signed an extension to his contract that now runs until Euro 2028, in January 2025.
“If someone does not want this then they have to tell me. I want to continue. I’m not someone who runs away. I want to continue, but in football, you don’t always have control over things. If the DFB (German Football Association) wants it, then I will prepare for the European Championship and the Nations League.”
Former Liverpool manager Klopp, who was at the match in Foxborough, Massachusetts working for German broadcaster MagentaTV, has long been rumoured as a future Germany coach.
But he refused to comment on the possibility following the match.
“I understand that my name is being mentioned, but this is not the moment to talk about it – and especially not with me,” said the German, who has not coached since he left Anfield in 2024 and has been working as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer.
Fans online still made their feelings clear, however.
“Brutal. Embarrassing. Out early at a World Cup for the third time in a row! From my perspective, only one person can save this country now: Jurgen Klopp,” tweeted Johannes Berner, a journalist for German tabloid Bild.
Bleacher Report writer Michael Ritter echoed the sentiment, saying: “Klopp, save me. Jurgen Klopp if you can hear me save me. Save me, Jurgen Klopp.”
German account Football Tweet wrote to its 1.1 million followers: “There is only one man who can save German football and his name is Jurgen Klopp.”
Germany’s downward trend has lasted far longer than Nagelsmann’s three-year tenure. While his squad technically halted a stretch of two World Cups without reaching the knockout phase, the Germans still failed to make at least the last 16, as did the 2018 and 2022 sides.
Ultimately, they have not made any impact on the international stage or reached any final of a major tournament since winning their fourth World Cup in 2014.
Against Paraguay, Germany had 65 per cent possession and 21 shots against their opponent’s seven. But behind the numbers, Paraguay’s performance represented a defensive masterclass.
Almost completely against the run of play, Julio Enciso – Paraguay’s most creative player so far – opened the scoring in the 42nd minute when he headed in a cross by Matias Galarza.
Kai Havertz drew Germany level nine minutes into the second half with a header.
The Europeans continued to struggle to pierce Paraguay’s defence. They thought they had won the game in extra time when Jonathan Tah headed in a corner but the goal was ruled out after a video assistant referee check.
The Germans then lost a World Cup shoot-out for the first time in their history, having carved out a reputation as nearly flawless penalty-takers under pressure.
Three of their players – Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Tah – failed to score from the spot, leaving thousands of their fans in the Gillette Stadium, and millions at home, in shock after Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties.
“There was more possible. But as it is, it is just not good enough,” Nagelsmann added.
His counterpart Gustavo Alfaro said his players have turned themselves into football legends by defeating Germany in the World Cup.
“We never believe that we are beaten,” said the Paraguay coach, whose side will now face either France or Sweden in the round of 16 on July 4.
“Twenty-six warriors went out there and they came back as legends. I told the players that we have lived through an epic evening.”
Following the final whistle, Paraguay President Santiago Pena declared a national holiday for June 30 to celebrate the country’s shock victory. REUTERS, AFP