Official: Nagelsmann Resigns, Klopp's Availability Acknowledged by Federation

It's official. Julian Nagelsmann is no longer the head coach of the German national team. The German Football Association (DFB) announced the immediate termination of his contract, a decision unanimously reached by the DFB's shareholder representatives and supervisory board this Friday morning, following a proposal from President Bernd Neuendorf.

Nagelsmann himself initiated the departure. Following Germany's disappointing performance at the 2026 World Cup, he requested to be released from his contract during a confidential discussion with the federation's leadership, despite having publicly denied his intention to leave in a press conference. His request has now been accepted.

In a farewell statement, Nagelsmann admitted the decision was not an easy one. "I've thought a lot over the past few days since our elimination and spoken with trusted individuals. My primary goal has always been the team's success. After such a bitter disappointment, the team deserves the chance for a fresh start, unburdened," he stated, offering special thanks to the fans: "You supported us, trusted us, gave us energy, even during difficult times. I am truly sorry and it pains me to have let you down. You deserved so much more!"

DFB President Bernd Neuendorf thanked Nagelsmann for his work since September 2023, highlighting his "high commitment and extraordinary ambition." Sporting director Rudi Voller, in turn, praised the coach's attitude: "Julian's decision deserves our respect. He takes responsibility and puts the national team above himself. I remain convinced that he will continue his path successfully!"

With Nagelsmann's departure, his assistants, Benjamin Gluck and Benjamin Hubner, also leave the federation. Regarding a successor, the DFB confirmed it would now begin talks with Jürgen Klopp, Red Bull's director of football and currently a television pundit at the World Cup, who has reportedly indicated his availability for the role.

In parallel, it was announced that sporting general manager Andreas Rettig will not renew his contract, which expires at the end of the year, citing personal reasons. This decision had already been communicated to the DFB president before the start of the 2026 World Cup.