JULIAN NAGELSMANN QUITS GERMANY AFTER WORLD CUP HUMILIATION AS JÜRGEN KLOPP POISED FOR JOB

Julian Nagelsmann is set to resign as Germany manager following the national team's humiliating World Cup exit to Paraguay, with former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp emerging as the favourite to succeed him

Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as Germany manager(Image: Marcel Bonte/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Julian Nagelsmann has resigned from his position as the head coach of the Germany national team, according to local reports. Jurgen Klopp is tipped to take over the role following rumours about his interest during the World Cup.

Germany suffered a shock exit from the World Cup after losing to Paraguay in a penalty shootout. Nagelsmann was anticipated to stay on until after Euro 2028 and left the decision up to his superiors following the World Cup debacle.

He stated: "I am available. If the DFB [German FA] wants it, then I will do the Euro 2028, and if not then they have to tell me. I'm not someone who runs away."

Jurgen Klopp is favourite to take the Germany job(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Nagelsmann conceded that his team could not be ranked among the world's elite. "If you are eliminated by Paraguay, you are just not a first-class football team. I am very disappointed," he expressed.

On Thursday, it was reported that following a meeting with DFB executives, Nagelsmann was advised by the board to consider resigning or risk being dismissed. It seems that the 38-year-old will bow to their wishes, with an official announcement expected today.

Klopp, who has been serving as a pundit at the World Cup, has already been questioned about his willingness to succeed Nagelsmann after Germany's departure.

"I understand that my name is being mentioned," Klopp responded. "But this isn't the moment to talk about it - and certainly not with me."

The ex-Liverpool manager had previously stirred up controversy by hinting that Nagelsmann's reign might not extend much further before the tournament. Klopp, who had been associated with the role, remarked: "Luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team. Still."

The repeated use of 'still' was considered disrespectful in Germany, leading to the Red Bull head of global football having to issue an apology.

"I've already found the most hated word of the year: 'Still,'" Klopp confessed during coverage on MagentaTV. "I could have punched myself in the face for that, but it was already too late and I was on TV. It just slipped out so casually and has absolutely no relevance."

Germany haven't clinched a knockout match at the World Cup since their triumph in 2014. Under Joachim Löw in 2018, they were knocked out at the group stage, suffering the same fate under Hansi Flick in 2022. Nagelsmann managed to push the team one step further, albeit only to the round of 32.

- Scott Trotter and Cameron Winstanley