German media have delivered a scathing assessment of the national team's World Cup exit, labeling it a "colossal disgrace" and expressing embarrassment following a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay. Coach Julian Nagelsmann has faced significant blame, with some outlets suggesting his abilities were "grossly overestimated."
Germany was eliminated after a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay, a match that saw South American side hold them to a 1-1 draw. An extra-time goal for Germany, scored by Jonathan Tah, was controversially disallowed after a VAR review, a decision that fueled further frustration.
Despite the strong backlash, Nagelsmann stated he would not resign. However, German newspapers like BILD branded the defeat a "colossal disgrace" and declared the team "embarrassed itself to the bone." BILD criticized the team's first-half performance as "completely without ideas" and assigned Nagelsmann their lowest possible rating, deeming his responsibility for the "dramatically weak performance."
Kicker magazine called the elimination an "indictment of German football and Nagelsmann," asserting that the coach failed to "bundle and promote the strengths of his team." The Suddeutsche Zeitung echoed this sentiment, with one writer stating, "It can't go on."
Former Germany international Dietmar Hamann placed the blame squarely on Nagelsmann, accusing the coach of insufficient engagement with players and opponents. "This guy rarely watches games," Hamann commented, citing examples of Nagelsmann not attending matches to scout players like Bisseck or Schade, nor observing potential opponents in international tournaments.
Nagelsmann's future is also under scrutiny from Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, which concluded that the "relationship is beyond saving." Speculation has already turned to potential successors, with former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp being frequently mentioned.
Klopp, present at the match in a media capacity, deflected questions about the coaching role. "I have a job that I really enjoy and as far as I know, it's not a part-time job," he stated, emphasizing that it was not the appropriate time to discuss his future or the national team coaching position.
Echoing the sentiment for accountability, World Cup winner Mats Hummels called for "consequences" following a string of disappointing major tournament performances. Germany has now suffered three consecutive early exits since their 2014 World Cup victory, with group stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022, and a last-32 exit this year. The team also exited in the last-16 and quarter-finals of recent European Championships.
Hummels suggested that players should also share the blame and anticipates that some will retire voluntarily, while others may face tough decisions from a new coach. "It starts first and foremost with the players, because we've had several different coaches in between," Hummels said, adding that he expects the national coach, current or new, to make difficult choices regarding the squad.