Germany to start talks with Klopp after parting ways with Nagelsmann, says DFB

July 3 : Germany's football association (DFB) will start talks with former Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp to take over as national team coach following the departure of Julian Nagelsmann, it said on Friday, as it looks to rebuild after a shock World Cup exit.

Germany's defeat to Paraguay on penalties in the round of 32 marked a third consecutive disappointing World Cup campaign for the four-time champions after first-round exits in 2018 and 2022. They last lifted the trophy in 2014.

The DFB board said it would start talks with Klopp, long seen as the ideal choice to succeed Nagelsmann.

"Regarding the appointment of a new head coach, the DFB leadership will now seek talks with Juergen Klopp. He has already signalled his general willingness to take on the role," the DFB said.

The 59-year-old Klopp, currently a pundit for German television at the World Cup and global head of soccer at Red Bull, had indicated days ago that he would be open to such a proposal.

He is also considered the most popular choice among Germany fans, but caused a stir earlier in the World Cup, and had to apologise, for hinting Nagelsmann's time on the Germany bench could be running out.

One of the most successful German club coaches, Klopp, who won domestic league and Cup titles with Borussia Dortmund, was in charge of Liverpool from 2015 to 2024, leading the Merseyside club to almost every major honour during his nine-year spell, including Champions League and Premier League triumphs.

Klopp is known for his direct, and at times vocal, communication, a stark opposite to Nagelsmann's style, which was sometimes perceived as abrasive or arrogant.

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Nagelsmann, who immediately after the loss to Paraguay had said he was ready to stay on and fulfil a contract