Julian Nagelsmann signs contract extension with Germany until 2026 World Cup - 'Decision of the heart'

Julian Nagelsmann has agreed a new contract with Germany until the 2026 World Cup amid reported interest from Bayern Munich.

Nagelsmann was named as head coach of the German national team in September 2023 as Hansi Flick's replacement on a short-term deal.

The 36-year-old has helped the national team with an upturn in form claiming three victories in his six matches in charge, including impressive wins over France and the Netherlands last month.

There had been rumours that Nagelsmann was attracting interest from former club Bayern Munich, who are searching for a new manager with Thomas Tuchel leaving the club at the end of the current campaign.

However the new deal will see Nagelsmann lead Germany into this summer's European Championships as hosts, and also the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"This is a decision of the heart," Nagelsmann said in a statement. "It is a great honour to be able to train the national team and work with the best players in the country.

"With successful, passionate performances we have the chance to inspire an entire country. The two wins against France and the Netherlands in March really touched me.

"We want to play a successful home European Championship together and I'm really looking forward to it together with my coaching team."

Nagelsmann has enjoyed a successful spell during his short time in management as he guided Hoffenheim into the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club's history in 2017.

He then joined RB Leipzig in 2018 and helped the club reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2020 but they lost to Paris Saint-Germain.

He was then appointed Bayern Munich manager in 2021 and guided them to the Bundesliga title in his first season before he was sacked last March.

German FA president Bernd Neuendorf admitted that Nagelsmann had attracted interest from other European clubs this summer and was happy he decided to extend his stay with the national team.

"It is a strong signal for the DFB and the national team that Julian Nagelsmann will remain national coach beyond the home European Championships," he said.

"Because he is on the wish list of many big clubs across Europe. But for Julian Nagelsmann, the national team is more than just a job, it's a real matter close to his heart.

"Now there is planning security and everyone can concentrate entirely on a successful performance at the European Championships."

Germany will face Scotland in their Euro 2024 opener on June 14 before matches with Hungary and Switzerland in Group A.

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