Julian Nagelsmann is Germany's national team head coach but under fire after an earlier-than-expected World Cup exit in the round of 32 against Paraguay.
German football supremo Bernd Neuendorf has said that they cannot simply "carry on as usual" — but if Nagelsmann had to leave, who could take over as Germany's head coach?
Jürgen Klopp (59)
Klopp has enjoyed vast success at Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool and had already been called for by many fans when Joachim Löw and Hansi Flick had to step down in 2021 and 2023, respectively. However, the supposed "people's choice" for the national team and the DFB have never really aligned or been a good fit. Klopp is currently Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull and is working as an expert for MagentaTV during the World Cup. Asked about his ambitions, he said, "This is not the moment. There's nothing to say about it." That was however not a clear denial.
Thomas Tuchel (52)
Tuchel has also repeatedly been mentioned as a future Germany head coach. He celebrated major success with Dortmund, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, though not to the same extent with Bayern Munich. He is England coach, with the Three Lions facing underdogs DR Congo on Wednesday. A failure would likely spark a coaching debate in England as well. Traditionally, a German coach on England's bench is viewed rather critically.
Sebastian Hoeness (44)
The nephew of Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeness has built an excellent reputation as VfB Stuttgart coach and has already been discussed as a future coach of the German record champions. It seems only logical that the DFB would look within the Bundesliga. Bayern's current coach, Vincent Kompany appears to be practically unavailable with a contract running until 2029. Hoeness' contract with Stuttgart, who he led to the German Cup title in 2025, runs until 2028. But what if the DFB calls in an emergency? VfB CEO Alexander Wehrle serves as chairman of the supervisory board of DFB.
Oliver Glasner (51)
The Austrian would become the first foreigner to serve as Germany's national team head coach. Glasner led Eintracht Frankfurt to the Europa League title in 2022, and this year won the Conference League with Crystal Palace. He ended his time with the English club in summer on his own initiative and is available. The DFB may have to move quickly — Glasner's name is also being linked with the Netherlands, who like Germany were eliminated on Monday from the World Cup.
Pep Guardiola (55)
The outstanding coach of the past decade, who as a Spaniard would also be a first in the role, bid an emotional farewell to Manchester City this summer. After spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich led the English club through an era of great success. The 55-year-old always aims to achieve the maximum at every stop in his career, but he has never coached a national team.
