Julian Nagelsmann (38) is drawing consequences from the disappointing World Cup exit: The national team coach is stepping down from his position at the German Football Association (DFB). TV broadcaster Sky and the "Bild" newspaper both reported on Friday morning about the resignation. Via the national team's official Instagram account, Nagelsmann confirmed his departure and addressed the fans with an emotional statement.
"I have thought a lot in the past days since the elimination and exchanged views with confidants in my personal circle and within the association. The decision was anything but easy for me", writes the 38-year-old. His top priority had always been the team's success, which after the bitter disappointment "deserves the chance for an unburdened fresh start".
His thanks to the fans are particularly emotional: "You supported us, you trusted us, you gave us energy, even in difficult phases." And further: "I am deeply sorry and it hurts that we disappointed you and couldn't give you more nights of football at this World Cup. You would have deserved much more!"
From "I'm not someone who runs away" to a reversal
Athletically, the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico was a disaster for the DFB team. After a mixed group phase including a defeat in the last game against Ecuador (1:2), the national team failed in the round of sixteen against underdog Paraguay. Nagelsmann had ruled out a resignation directly after the elimination in Foxborough near Boston. "I'm not someone who runs away", he said into the TV cameras.
The reversal came on Thursday. At a crisis meeting in Frankfurt am Main at DFB headquarters, the 38-year-old was reportedly urged to resign. According to media reports, he will still receive severance pay. There is talk of around seven million euros, which would correspond to one year's salary for the departing coach.
The coaching team is also leaving
Nagelsmann is not leaving the DFB alone: His two assistants Benjamin Glück and Benjamin Hübner are also vacating their positions. Jürgen Klopp is considered the favorite as his successor, who is currently working as "Global Head of Soccer" at Red Bull and covered the World Cup as an expert for MagentaTV. DFL boss and DFB Vice President Hans-Joachim Watzke is expected to play a key role in the discussions, having already worked successfully with Klopp at Borussia Dortmund.
