As Sporten.com’s expert panel has pointed out a number of times, the German national football team does not have the best possible national team manager in Julian Nagelsmann. – But that they would be eliminated from the World Cup against Paraguay is still surprising, Germany has some of the world’s best football players.
After Germany’s shocking exit against Paraguay, Jürgen Klopp has spoken out about the possibility of taking over the national team. But broiler coach Julian Nagelsmann refuses to leave his position.
Already, the World Cup has cost several underperforming managers their jobs. The Tunisia boss lost his role after the opening match – one of the most sensational events in the championship so far. Scotland’s Steve Clarke retired after pressure and a weak exit, and several such as Marcelo Bielsa and Nagelsmann are also at risk.
Read: Will spend 250 million euros to put together the world’s best attack
However, Nagelsmann has no intention of going without a fight – even if Jürgen Klopp seems to be ready in the wings.
Nagelsmann refuses to leave Germany
After Germany crashed out in the last eight against Paraguay – and broke a perfect penalty streak in the World Cup – the pressure on Nagelsmann has immediately increased. It is the third time in a row that Germany does not make it beyond the first knockout round, and the fans have already called for his departure.
But Nagelsmann refuses to go.
“I’m not one to run away,” he said in the post-match press conference.
“This is not the first time it has happened, and there are several things about today’s game that need to be changed. But if the DFB wants me to continue, I will continue.
“I know the mechanics of football. I know how this industry works. I know that many people want me to go, but I would like to continue if the DFB wants it.
Nagelsmann is technically still unbeaten as Germany’s manager – with six wins and two draws over 90 minutes. It was only the penalty shootout that sent him out.
So far, there have been no signals from the board that Nagelsmann must go – but that could change if Jürgen Klopp throws his hat in the ring.
Klopp: “I haven’t thought about it yet”
On German TV, Klopp expressed some interest in the role, but stressed that he is already hired.
“I haven’t thought about it yet. I understand that when the role of national team coach is discussed, my name is mentioned in one form or another,” Klopp said.
“But this is not the moment to talk about it. There’s nothing to say about that. I have a job I really enjoy. As far as I know, it’s not a part-time job.
Klopp has been a prominent figure in the media during the World Cup, and has actively spoken out against the hydration breaks. He is now head of football at the Red Bull Group, which manages the teams in Leipzig and Salzburg.
Read: Real Madrid sell Nico Paz for €60 million
