The German national soccer team could be coached by a foreign national coach for the first time in the future.
“We’re not ruling out any option at the moment, whether it’s a German or foreign coach. We’re not slamming any doors. We expressly allow this option,” said DFB President Bernd Neuendorf on “ARD”.
Neuendorf was specifically asked about candidate Louis van Gal. The 72-year-old, like several other coaches, is being discussed as a possible successor to Hansi Flick, who was released on Sunday, and had quietly expressed concerns because of the history of the eleven German national coaches to date.
However, there was contact with the supposed dream solution Jürgen Klopp, as Neuendorf revealed. “But it certainly wasn’t a serious negotiation.” Klopp once again declined with reference to his contract with Liverpool FC until 2026.
Before the international match against France in Dortmund, Neuendorf also drafted the profile of the desired coach. “We need a person who is assertive, who is resilient because: That’s stressful! We still have nine months until the European Championships, everyone knows the expectations of the fans and the association. We don’t have much time.”
The DFB boss also made it clear that he, his deputy Hans-Joachim Watzke and sports director Rudi Völler were looking for the Flick heir. “The three of us conduct the discussions and the process.” The task force founded after the World Cup disaster in Qatar was not involved.
Neuendorf does not see the task as a suicide mission. “I wouldn’t paint it black, I wouldn’t say: ‘We’re down!'” There is “a lot of potential” in the DFB selection.