Nagelsmann out, Klopp too expensive: FA faces billion-pound dilemma
After the defeat against Paraguay, Julian Nagelsmann faces the axe. The severance package is hefty – and Jürgen Klopp’s return would break the budget.
Julian Nagelsmann is set to be sacked following Germany’s 0-2 loss to Paraguay. The DFB leadership is bracing for a severance package of up to €12 million for the early exit of the national team coach. The embarrassment in the build-up to the 2026 World Cup has set the German side back both on and off the pitch, forcing the federation into a costly quandary.
The defeat to Paraguay—a team with no discernible structure and defensive frailties—has dealt a severe blow to the DFB’s credibility. The 0-2 loss was particularly galling as it came against a South American side ranked far lower in the FIFA world rankings. The match laid bare not only individual weaknesses but also fundamental issues in team management and tactics.
The financial dimension of the problem is even more acute: a potential successor like Jürgen Klopp would represent not just a sporting but also a financial juggernaut. Klopp’s salary at Red Bull Salzburg stands at around €15 million per year, including bonuses—a sum that would strain the DFB’s budget for the national team for years to come. 5 million, including performance-related pay.
The gap of over €11 million per year highlights just how much Klopp would break the federation’s financial planning. But the cost is only half the story. Klopp’s return would also mean a tactical revolution: the former Liverpool boss is a top-level tactician, but his approach clashes with the current DFB philosophy.
Nagelsmann favoured a flexible, possession-based style, whereas Klopp’s trademark is high pressing and rapid transitions. Such a shift would take months—time Germany does not have ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The DFB leadership is now weighing alternatives, including an internal solution or a compromise candidate with significantly lower costs.
Even an interim coach like Julian Weigl would not resolve the crisis—the sporting emergency is too severe. Finding a candidate who is both sporting and financially viable is proving nearly impossible. With the 2026 World Cup looming, the preparations risk descending into chaos without clear leadership.
The federation’s structural deficits are laid bare: there is no long-term coach development programme and no clear sporting vision. Reactions to Nagelsmann’s potential dismissal are mixed. While some officials call the decision “long overdue,” others warn of long-term consequences for team cohesion.
Sport director Oliver Bierhoff stressed that every stone must be turned before a final decision is made. Even within the squad, signals are contradictory: some players are said to demand Nagelsmann’s departure, while others insist on stability and continuity. The uncertainty is paralysing the team and complicating preparations for upcoming fixtures.
What’s next: the DFB leadership aims to present a clear path by the end of June at the latest. If Nagelsmann is sacked, the federation would have just weeks to appoint a successor—or risk the World Cup build-up spiralling into chaos. There is no Plan B yet, underscoring the urgency of the decision.
The coming weeks will show whether the DFB is ready to take the necessary steps—or whether the crisis continues to escalate. Read at Blick Sport
Why this matters
Dismissing Nagelsmann would be more than just a sporting setback—it would also be a financial disaster for the DFB. The severance alone would strain the budget, while Klopp’s salary would push the already tight finances even further. The 2026 World Cup is approaching, yet without clear leadership, Germany risks falling further behind in international competition. The crisis also exposes structural flaws: the DFB has failed to develop a sustainable strategy for both coaching and team management that is viable both on the pitch and off it. The current situation shows how fragile the system is when short-term decisions have long-term consequences.
Frequently asked
- How much is Julian Nagelsmann’s severance package?
- The DFB is bracing for a severance package of up to €12 million for the early exit of Nagelsmann. The exact amount depends on the remaining contract length and contractual clauses.
- Why is Jürgen Klopp so expensive as a potential successor?
- Klopp earns around €15 million per year at Red Bull Salzburg, including bonuses. His market value and sporting reputation make him a luxury problem for the DFB.
- What alternatives does the DFB have besides Klopp?
- The federation is considering internal solutions such as Julian Weigl as an interim coach or compromise candidates with lower salary demands. A quick solution, however, is unlikely.
- When will a decision be made on Nagelsmann’s future?
- The DFB leadership aims to make a final decision by the end of June at the latest. Until then, all options are being weighed to address the sporting and financial crisis.
- How does the defeat against Paraguay impact World Cup preparations?
- The embarrassment against Paraguay has set the German team back and forces the federation to act quickly. Without clear leadership, the World Cup build-up risks descending into chaos.
- Why is Nagelsmann’s salary so much lower than Klopp’s?
- Nagelsmann’s annual salary was around €3.5 million, including bonuses. His contract was negotiated in 2023 under Hansi Flick, when sporting and financial expectations were far lower than they are today.
Source
- Es wird sauteuer: Deutschlands Nagelsmann steht vor dem Rausschmiss!
Blick Sportblick.chBy Stefan Kreis2 Jul, 18:04de-ch
