German Football Association (DFB) officials have reportedly asked head coach Julian Nagelsmann to resign following the team's unexpected World Cup exit. Nagelsmann was summoned to a three-hour meeting at the DFB headquarters in Frankfurt on Thursday, where he was reportedly given the chance to explain his perspective on Germany's 5-4 penalty shootout loss to Paraguay after a 1-1 draw.
According to reports from German outlet BILD, the meeting also involved questioning Nagelsmann about his tactical choices and what was described as a "family and friends atmosphere" within the national team's camp during the tournament. Sources suggest the DFB leadership wants Nagelsmann to step down voluntarily, allowing him to depart with his "head held high."
Nagelsmann, who is under contract until the end of Euro 2028, has reportedly been given until the beginning of next week to make a decision. He had previously stated his intention to continue as coach, saying after the Paraguay match, "I'm not someone who runs away. I'm available if that's what the DFB wants. If they don't want me, they need to tell me. I want to continue."
Concerns have been raised during the World Cup campaign about the presence of Nagelsmann's girlfriend, Lena Wurzenberger, a 34-year-old former journalist, who was described as a "constant presence" around the team. She was seen at the team's pre-tournament camp in Frankfurt and at matches, reportedly accompanying Nagelsmann back to the team hotel and cycling to training with him.
Speculation from reporters suggested that the proximity of partners might have affected open discussions within the team. Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus claimed that players' wives and girlfriends caused disputes and distractions, with some squad members reportedly preoccupied with arranging family travel. Matthaus suggested that families should only be present at later stages of tournaments, particularly after team success, rather than treating the event as "free family days."