National soccer team: Kramer on Nagelsmann’s exit: “There was no other option”

A new start at the DFB was difficult to imagine given the mood in the country after the disappointing elimination in the World Cup round of 16 against Paraguay with Nagelsmann. “Every new beginning needs, above all, euphoria,” said Kramer. “And I don’t think it could have been caused again in this constellation.”

With a view to a possible successor for Nagelsmann, the two 2014 world champions spoke out in favor of Jürgen Klopp. “I think the DFB knows exactly that it can only go through Jürgen Klopp and they are now focusing on that,” said Mertesacker. “And I think that’s the right way to go.”

From his previous coaching career, Klopp knows the situation of getting teams to reach their potential. “I can imagine that he can really ignite something again with a young team with a fresh start,” said Mertesacker. When Nagelsmann left, the DFB immediately announced that it would seek talks with Klopp as his successor in the coaching position.