Klopp shows interest in Germany coaching job after Nagelsmann resigns

Jurgen Klopp has told the German Football Association (DFB) he is "fundamentally willing" to be the new Germany coach. This comes after Julian Nagelsmann resigned from his position. The DFB confirmed this news on Friday.

Nagelsmann had a contract that would run until 2028. He stepped down after Germany's disappointing exit from the last-32 round against Paraguay. This happened just four days after that match.

In a statement, the DFB mentioned that talks would start with Klopp, who used to manage Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund. They also thanked Nagelsmann for his nearly three years in charge.

Klopp, who brought Liverpool Champions League and Premier League titles, is currently the head of global football at Red Bull. But Sky Germany reports that he has a verbal agreement allowing him to leave for the Germany job.

Nagelsmann's resignation came after he had a three-hour meeting at DFB headquarters in Frankfurt to discuss his future. According to German tabloid Bild, he was offered a severance package of seven million euros (about $8 million) to end his contract early.

"The decision was anything but easy for me," Nagelsmann said in his statement. "My top priority has always been the success of the team. After such a bitter disappointment, it deserves the chance of a new beginning."

He also apologized to fans for the early exit. "I am sorry and hurt from the bottom of my heart that we disappointed you and couldn’t give you any more football nights at this World Cup."

DFB sporting director Rudi Voeller praised Nagelsmann, saying he "is and remains an excellent coach. I am convinced that he will continue to follow his path successfully."

Germany's loss to Paraguay is the latest in a series of disappointments for the four-time world champions. They had two group stage exits in the World Cups in Russia and Qatar.

The Germans have also struggled in the Euros. They were knocked out by England in the last 16 in 2021 and lost to eventual champions Spain on home ground at Euro 2024.

By parting ways with Nagelsmann right after the World Cup, the DFB wanted to avoid what happened in 2018 and 2022. Some felt they kept unsuccessful coaches too long during those times.

Joachim Loew, a world champion in 2014, left three years after the 2018 World Cup. Hansi Flick left a year after the 2022 edition.

Nagelsmann's hiring was seen as a big deal for the DFB, especially since European clubs were reportedly interested in him back then.

He became the youngest coach in Bundesliga history when he took over Hoffenheim at 28. He also managed Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.

Nagelsmann was initially given a short-term deal for Euro 2024. He extended his contract shortly before that tournament and signed another extension in January 2025, which would keep him until after Euro 2028.

Germany showed signs of improvement under Nagelsmann at Euro 2024, winning their group but losing in extra time to champions Spain in the quarter-finals.