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Germany’s World Cup nightmares continue, and this time, the fallout could finally force a decisive change. After yet another humiliating exit, the German Football Association (DFB) must act swiftly: Julian Nagelsmann’s time as head coach should end, and Jurgen Klopp should be the man to take charge of a struggling national side.

Since triumphing at the 2014 World Cup, Germany’s fortunes have plummeted dramatically. The four-time world champions crashed out at the group stage in both 2018 and 2022. Although they reached the knockout stage in 2026, they still fell short of the round of 16, losing to Paraguay on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Boston on a dismal Monday afternoon.

Following the 4-3 penalty shootout defeat, much of the scrutiny turned toward Julian Nagelsmann. Despite being contracted with the DFB until after Euro 2028, he looked both defiant and uncertain at full-time. After the match, Nagelsmann told reporters, “I’m available. If the DFB want me to stay until 2028, I will. If they don’t, then I’ll go. I’m not someone who runs away. If they want me, I’m here. If they don’t, they need to tell me. I want to continue.”

He added, “In football, you can’t control everything. If the DFB wants me to prepare for the Euros and Nations League, I’ll gladly do it. If not, they need to make that clear.”

Now, the DFB faces a crucial decision. Unlike after previous failures, they cannot afford to hesitate, especially with Klopp waiting in the wings as the perfect candidate to lead Germany’s revival.

No time for hesitation

After the 2018 World Cup, when Germany became the third consecutive defending champions to crash out in the group stage following defeats to Mexico and South Korea, there were loud calls for Joachim Löw to step down. Having led Germany to World Cup glory in 2014, Löw’s era had evidently run its course. However, the DFB decided his track record earned him another chance, allowing him to continue until Euro 2021, where Germany exited in the round of 16 against England. Löw resigned soon after.

His successor, Hansi Flick, brought renewed optimism ahead of the 2022 World Cup, but the same pattern repeated itself. After losing to Japan despite taking an early lead, Germany were eliminated in the group stage once again. Although many expected Flick’s dismissal, he clung to the job until late 2023, when poor results finally led to his departure and Nagelsmann’s appointment.

Nagelsmann’s early tenure offered hope. He guided Germany to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on home soil before being ousted by eventual champions Spain. Since then, however, the team’s progress has stagnated, and the DFB cannot afford a third successive mistake by waiting too long to replace a faltering coach.

Trust squandered

When Nagelsmann replaced Flick in September 2023, he seemed the ideal moderniser—tactically sharp and ambitious. His fresh energy and smart selections inspired optimism that he could restore Germany’s lost dominance. The home Euros marked a partial revival, uniting players, fans, and coach, yet the quarter-final defeat left a bitter taste. Nagelsmann immediately set his sights on winning the 2026 World Cup, but that dream has quickly crumbled.

Once one of the most popular national coaches since Löw’s peak years, Nagelsmann has since burned through that goodwill. Over the past two years, his credibility has eroded rapidly, culminating in the painful defeat in Foxborough.

Questionable decisions

Nagelsmann’s managerial choices have often baffled observers. He frequently used press conferences to criticise individual players, sometimes making inaccurate or contradictory statements about roles and selections. His handling of the media frequently came across as defensive and condescending, particularly during the World Cup.

After successfully bringing Toni Kroos out of international retirement for Euro 2024, Nagelsmann controversially recalled 40-year-old Manuel Neuer for the World Cup, despite earlier denying any such plan. This decision disappointed Oliver Baumann, who had been reliable throughout qualifying. In hindsight, Neuer’s performances failed to justify the recall, offering little more than Baumann could have provided.

Similarly, Nagelsmann’s constant tinkering with Joshua Kimmich’s position—from right-back to midfield and back again—undermined the team’s stability, especially in the decisive match against Paraguay.

Total breakdown

Germany’s performance against Paraguay epitomised their decline. The team lacked creativity, cohesion, and defensive solidity. Apart from a brief spark against minnows Curaçao, they struggled throughout the tournament, failing to impose themselves against teams such as Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Paraguay. In purely footballing terms, this campaign was even more disappointing than 2022, when they at least managed a draw with Spain.

The players admirably took collective responsibility for the exit, but ultimately, the tactical failings were Nagelsmann’s. His questionable substitutions—such as starting Deniz Undav against Paraguay and making late, ineffective changes against Ecuador—exposed poor tournament management.

‘We have to change’

Adding to Nagelsmann’s woes, his every misstep was dissected live on television by none other than Jurgen Klopp, who many see as his natural successor. Speaking to Magenta TV after Germany’s elimination, Klopp said, “You have to attack down the wings. There’s no alternative. We all know how good these players are, but they didn’t show it on the pitch. In a few months, we’ll all be praising [Florian] Wirtz and [Jamal] Musiala again, but not now.”

He added, “Paraguay had something to win; Germany had something to lose. Everyone expected a turnaround, but it never came. We let them off the hook. Something has to change at the DFB—we absolutely have to make adjustments.”

The Klopp effect

For supporters, the change they crave is clear: Jurgen Klopp stepping down from his global role at Red Bull and taking charge of the national team ahead of Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup. The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager’s appointment would ignite immense excitement across German football. However, when asked about the prospect in Boston, Klopp was cautious: “I haven’t thought about that yet. I understand why people mention my name when the national coach position comes up, but it’s not the right time to talk about it. I have a job that I really enjoy, and as far as I know, it isn’t a part-time one.”

Despite the support Nagelsmann still commands from players and sporting director Rudi Völler, the DFB must now act decisively. They cannot afford another period of uncertainty. Klopp represents hope, inspiration, and a chance at redemption—and Germany cannot keep him waiting forever.