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Lothar Matthaus has backed Jurgen Klopp as the perfect candidate to lead a new chapter for the German national football team after Julian Nagelsmann’s departure. The legendary former captain believes the German Football Association (DFB) must commit to significant transformation to prevent a repeat of their recent tournament disappointments.

Matthaus calls for complete DFB reform

Germany legend Matthaus has urged a total restructuring of the DFB following the country’s dismal World Cup campaign. After a shocking round-of-16 elimination, Matthaus asserted that the issues within the federation extend far beyond the coach’s role.

“Every stone must be turned over, and everyone at the DFB must question themselves,” Matthaus told Sky Sport. “It’s not only about the national coach — all DFB officials must take responsibility for Germany’s humiliating failure at the World Cup. The first major mistake was the poorly planned extension of Nagelsmann’s contract nearly a year ago.”

Mounting pressure forces Nagelsmann’s departure

Nagelsmann officially stepped down just days after Germany’s devastating 4-3 shootout loss to Paraguay, which ended their World Cup run. Although the 38-year-old initially wanted to remain in charge, he eventually gave in to intense pressure from both the federation’s leadership and the public.

Matthaus criticised the DFB’s handling of the situation, suggesting that the organisation lacked the decisiveness to act on its own. “At the DFB, difficult choices have to be made — even when they cause discomfort. There’s always an attempt to gloss over reality,” he said.

“Nagelsmann has now resigned after refusing to do so three days earlier. I assume pressure built up, not only from the DFB but also from the public. Still, sometimes you simply have to admit that things didn’t work out, even if Nagelsmann isn’t solely responsible.”

Klopp emerges as the frontrunner

As the search for a new head coach begins, attention has turned to former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. Matthaus firmly believes that the 57-year-old is the one person capable of reviving Germany’s international dominance before the next major tournament cycle.

“If Klopp becomes the national coach — which many of us expect — I believe he’s the best solution the DFB could hope for,” Matthaus explained. “He would be the leader Germany needs to find success again in upcoming competitions.”

The DFB has confirmed that Klopp has expressed interest in replacing Nagelsmann, while the veteran coach himself has declared he is “ready” to return to management.

“About two years ago, I left Liverpool saying I didn’t have the energy for another season,” Klopp said. “Since then, I’ve completely recharged — I’m ready.”

Structural change still vital

Despite the optimism surrounding Klopp’s possible appointment, Matthaus cautioned that hiring a new coach will not be enough to fix deeper problems. The World Cup winner believes the DFB must abandon its pattern of shielding officials and instead prioritise genuine sporting reform.

Nagelsmann, during his farewell statement, reflected: “The decision was far from easy for me. My top priority has always been the team’s success. After such a painful disappointment, they deserve the opportunity for a new beginning.” Whether that new beginning includes Klopp working alongside current sporting director Rudi Voller remains uncertain, though Matthaus insists that keeping Voller involved is “always a valuable advantage.”