Developments in Germany are unfolding rapidly following the team’s early elimination from the World Cup; according to a report in BILD, Julian Nagelsmann will step down as head coach of the national team.

The 38-year-old coach had made it clear immediately after the loss to Paraguay in the penalty shootout (4-3, following a 3-3 tie in regulation and overtime) that he had no intention of resigning. “I’m definitely not the type to run away,” he had said characteristically.

However, the situation appears to have changed following a lengthy meeting held on Thursday at the offices of the German Football Association in Frankfurt.

The meeting, which lasted about three hours, was attended by DFB President Bernd Neuendorf, Bundesliga President Hans-Joachim Watzke, sporting director Rudi Völler, and DFB CEO Andreas Rettig.

Nagelsmann was asked to explain the reasons for Germany’s elimination in the round of 32, but, according to BILD, his arguments failed to convince the federation officials, leading to the decision to end the partnership between the two sides.

According to BILD, Nagelsmann will receive a severance package estimated at approximately 7 million euros, as he is leaving before the end of his contract.

*photo source: AP