Germany great Lothar Matthäus believes that the Julian Nagelsmann era will come to an end after Germany were eliminated from the World Cup following a defeat on penalties to Paraguay on Monday.
"I believe we need to move forward with a new coach after this World Cup. It was just too much. There's probably a lot to work through, both on and off the field," he told the Bild newspaper.
Germany lost 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay on Monday after a dour 1-1 draw in the last 32, which marked a third consecutive early elimination for the four-time champions.
Matthäus criticized the team's performance, but didn't view it as an isolated incident.
"One game can always happen. But we already played terribly against Ecuador," he said.
"Looking at the big picture: I'm not sad. I'm surprised that we could be eliminated by such a weak team. But I'm not sad because of the performance we put in."
Nagelsmann's contract runs until after the European Championship in the British Isles in two years. This was his first World Cup as coach after a creditable quarter-final exit at the home Euros in 2024 to eventual winners Spain.
The coach himself said he's not stepping down, while Germany national team director Rudi Völler showed his support for Nagelsmann.
Matthäus, meanwhile, came to the defence of captain Joshua Kimmich.
"He's the kind of player who wants to lead, he shows that at Bayern Munich. You just have to put him in the right position. I don't think he felt comfortable at right back," Matthäus said.
Kimmich played most of the World Cup as right back despite being a midfield general for mighty Bayern.
"As far as I'm concerned, he's still a player who will be part of the national team for years to come."
