​While the entire German football world waits for a new national team coach to be appointed, Jürgen Klopp has offered an update. No decision has been made yet, according to the DFB’s preferred candidate, who nonetheless has a clear plan in mind that includes Rudi Völler playing a significant role.
Negotiations are ongoing between the German Football Association (DFB) and its favored candidate for the national team manager post. A delegation led by President Bernd Neuendorf is due to travel to the United States this week, where Klopp is working as a pundit for MagentaTV, to discuss terms.
On Tuesday, sporting director Rudi Völler stated his intention to stay in his role despite Germany’s disappointing early exit from the World Cup, the third exit at that stage following Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, and the recent parting of ways with Julian Nagelsmann.
Asked about the possibility of collaborating with the former top striker, Klopp said, “It wouldn’t be an issue for me,” and stressed that he views Völler as a key component of a plan for a sustainable national team. “If it were to come to me becoming national team manager, it would be a huge help to have someone there who knows the ropes,” Klopp added.
Klopp noted that Völler’s experience as a player, along with his lengthy service within the federation, would be invaluable. “Which is something I, if I were to take the job, have absolutely no experience of. I’ve neither played for nor coached a national team.”
Klopp, who began his coaching career at Mainz 05 and led them to top-tier promotion in 2004, emphasized that he is weighing both the short-term and long-term implications and the broader scope of the role. “One consideration is the next match, the other is the future of the whole team. The main thing I’m interested in at this time is the Nations League opener against the Netherlands.”
Regarding the need for structural changes, Klopp explained that he has not yet gained the necessary insight to implement broad reforms: “To change anything, you first of all need to know what’s really going on; on the outside, you have absolutely no idea what’s happening. Whoever takes this on needs to take a good look for themselves and decide.”
Germany’s four-time World Champions have failed to advance beyond the quarterfinals in the last two European Championships, sparking doubts about the current generation of players. Klopp acknowledged a range of reasons for Germany’s struggles, not least training, while noting that training is only one of many issues that must be addressed.
Klopp highlighted the national team’s central role in German football and the gravity of the task ahead: “There’s a lot at stake. Whoever takes on the job will have to consider both short-term results and the long-term future of the team.” He emphasized a meticulous approach, driven by a deep commitment to rebuilding a side capable of competing at the highest level.