Julian Nagelsmann has ruled out resigning as Germany coach following his side’s dramatic FIFA World Cup last-32 elimination by Paraguay, declaring that he has no intention of walking away despite another painful tournament exit for one of football’s traditional powers.
Germany’s hopes of ending a 12-year wait for World Cup success came to a crushing end after a 1-1 draw was followed by a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay, extending the country’s recent struggles on the biggest stage.
Speaking moments after the defeat, an emotional but composed Nagelsmann admitted Germany had fallen short, yet insisted responsibility would not drive him into resignation.
“I’m not someone who runs away,” he told reporters.
“If the German Football Association wants me to continue, then I’ll continue. If they don’t, they can tell me. I know how football works.”
Julian Nagelsmann says he has no intention of resigning after Germany’s shock FIFA World Cup last-32 exit to Paraguay, insisting he is ready to continue if the German Football Association retains its faith in him.
The 38-year-old acknowledged that public opinion may have turned against him following Germany’s latest disappointment but stressed that outside criticism would not influence his decision.
“I know there are probably not that many people who would be happy if I continue,” he said. “But I would still carry on if the DFB wants me to.”
Nagelsmann revealed that senior German football officials had spoken briefly with him after the match, but dismissed suggestions that discussions over his future would take place in the immediate aftermath of the defeat.
“It would be strange to have contract talks two minutes after leaving the tournament,” he said. “There were a lot of disappointed and emotional players in the dressing room.”
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The former Bayern Munich coach also refused to place blame on Jonathan Tah, whose missed penalty proved decisive in the shootout.
“I don’t blame the penalty taker,” Nagelsmann said. “It takes courage to step forward. Big players have missed penalties throughout football history. The shootout was only the final moment. We had more than 120 minutes to decide the match before that.”
Instead, the coach accepted Germany had not produced enough over the course of the contest, admitting his players were too slow in possession after conceding and failed to make enough use of their aerial advantage.
Despite another early World Cup exit, Nagelsmann insisted he still believes in the long-term future of the national team, while acknowledging significant changes may be required.
“We have a lot of talented young players, but they need time,” he said. “Sometimes, when you make big changes, it takes time before you see the rewards.”
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His comments come after Germany’s latest tournament disappointment continued a worrying trend for the four-time world champions, whose recent World Cup campaigns have repeatedly ended well short of expectations.
