The German national team is currently led by former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann, whose contract runs through the 2026 World Cup. However, should he opt to return to club management, the German Football Association will need to find a suitable successor, with former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp regarded as a top candidate for the role.

Speaking to ZDF’s Aktuelle Sportstudio, technical director Rudi Völler revealed that Klopp has always been one of his preferred options, noting, “If Nagelsmann ever chooses to return to a club, there’s no better option than Jürgen Klopp, if he’s interested.”

Although Klopp is expected to depart Liverpool after the 2023/24 season, he has made it clear that he has no immediate plans to return to coaching, saying, “No, no, and no” to the idea. When asked about his most recent conversation with Klopp, Völler admitted, “It was some time ago. He’s been abroad for a while, and I respect his decision. Jürgen Klopp is having an outstanding career.”

As for Nagelsmann, the German Football Association intends to allow him the freedom to decide his future after the 2026 World Cup. Völler emphasized, “Nagelsmann will have the right to determine whether he wants to continue with the national team after the World Cup. Whoever takes over after that will inherit a team with a strong foundation.”

Nagelsmann has already made his mark on the team, making bold decisions such as dropping veterans like Mats Hummels and Leon Goretzka, and instead giving chances to rising stars like Florian Wirtz, Jonathan Tah, and Jamal Musiala.

European qualification for the next World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will begin in March 2025.