The German football association is seeking talks with Jurgen Klopp about becoming the men’s national team coach after Julian Nagelsmann resigned.
Nagelsmann requested to be relieved of his duties on Thursday following the team’s early exit from the World Cup.
The German FA (DFB) has now granted that request and immediately terminated its contractual relationship with the 38-year-old former Bayern Munich boss.
In a statement, the DFB said it “will now seek talks with Jurgen Klopp”, adding: “He has already signalled his general willingness to take on the position.”
Germany bowed out of the World Cup on Monday when the four-time winners were beaten by Paraguay on penalties in the last 32.
Initially Nagelsmann, who was appointed in 2023, was determined to remain in charge, saying after the game: “I’m not someone who runs away.”
But in a statement on Friday, he said: “I’ve done a lot of thinking in the days since our elimination and have consulted with trusted individuals both personally and within the federation.
“The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the team’s success. After such a bitter disappointment, they deserve the chance for a fresh start.”
This was Nagelsmann’s second major tournament, with Germany having reached the Euro 2024 quarter-finals as hosts before losing in extra time to eventual winners Spain.
Germany have not won a World Cup knockout game since they were crowned champions in 2014. They failed to get beyond the group stage in 2018 and 2022, under Joachim Low and Hansi Flick respectively.
Nagelsmann, who has also managed German club sides RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim, replaced Flick in September 2023, initially on a contract until after Euro 2024. It was later extended to this year’s World Cup and then to Euro 2028.
“After the disappointing World Cup exit for everyone, Julian’s decision deserves our respect, because he’s taking responsibility where he’d like to continue shaping things, and putting the national team as a whole above himself,” said DFB sporting director Rudi Voller.
“Of course, we all would have liked a different outcome to the tournament and a more convincing performance from our team. But Julian is and remains an excellent coach, and I’m convinced he’ll continue on his successful path.”
