After many hours of speculations, Germany national football team coach, Julian Nagelsmann, and the country’s governing body have parted ways following the team’s shock exit from 2026 World Cup after losing to Paraguay in the round of 32 at the tournament.
The 38-year-old has resigned from the job three years after arriving and well before the end of his contract, which was to expire after the 2028 European Championship.
On Friday, the young football tactician informed the DFB (German Football Association) of his decision to resign his role over inability to deliver on promises made while renewing the contract.
The renewal of his deal in January 2025 forced the DFB into tricky negotiations, and led to a reported three-hour, secret meeting the day before the official announcement.
“This decision was anything but easy for me,” Nagelsmann said in a statement.
“My top priority has always been the team’s success. After such a bitter disappointment, the team deserves the chance for a fresh start without any baggage… A special thank you also goes to the fans. You carried us, you trusted us, and you gave us energy, even during difficult times. I am truly sorry and deeply saddened that we let you down and were unable to give you more nights of football excitement at this World Cup. You deserved so much more!”
Nagelsmann’s assistants Benjamin Glück and Benjamin Hübner have also left, leaving the DFB with no option than to enter discussions Liverpool former manager, Jürgen Klopp, for the vacant head coach position, after showing a willingness to take up the role.
Nagelsmann won 23 of his 37 games in charge of Germany, losing only eight times. Three of those defeats came against Spain, Portugal and France, but two also came at the 2026 World Cup against Ecuador and then Paraguay.
His exit is yet another downturn in a coaching career that was once expected to reach the highest of heights.