German coach Julian Nagelsmann under pressure after World Cup round‑of‑16 exit

Germany was eliminated from the World Cup in the round of 16, losing 4‑5 on penalties to Paraguay. The defeat intensified criticism of national team head coach Julian Nagelsmann.

During an ARD broadcast, former champion Bastian Schweinsteiger was asked about the coach’s future. He declined to directly criticize Nagelsmann, praised veteran Rudi Völler’s experience, and suggested a possible “dream team” with Jürgen Klopp and Völler if a change were made. Schweinsteiger also remarked that German football has lost its “DNA” and slipped into “mediocrity,” saying, “All my former colleagues say: ‘You have lost your DNA.’”

Schweinsteiger emphasized the need for the team to take responsibility and hinted that strategic mistakes from years ago have weakened the squad’s robustness, while acknowledging Nagelsmann’s contractual rights.